Ukraine’s Biathlon Lead Applauds IBU for RBU Suspension and Calls for Stronger Global Action
The head of Ukraine’s Biathlon Federation, Ivan Krulko, welcomed the decision by the International Biathlon Union to suspend the Russian Biathlon Union. He stressed that suspending participation for both athletes and federations disrupts the reach of international competition and sends a clear message about standards in the sport. Krulko noted that the federation’s stance should be mirrored by all major sports bodies to maintain integrity on the world stage.
Krulko argued that bans should extend beyond athletes to ensure federations themselves are not represented in international bodies. He contended that a comprehensive approach is required, one that keeps Russians and Belarusians away from major gatherings where decisions affecting the sport are made. This broader policy would prevent circumventions that might occur when athletes compete under neutral labels while organizers still engage with hostile states behind the scenes.
Speaking from Salzburg, where he represented Ukraine at a recent congress, Krulko urged the global biathlon community to follow the IBU’s example. He asserted that the only durable way to safeguard competition is through decisive, federation-level action alongside individual athlete sanctions. The aim, he explained, is to ensure that Russians and Belarusians do not participate in international congresses or other key gatherings while hostilities persist.
Historically, the IBU had allowed Belarusian and Russian biathletes to compete in World Cup events and related IBU stages only as neutral athletes. This arrangement began in the spring of 2022, after which Russian teams opted out of several events at the end of the 2021/22 season. The policy was extended in September 2022, maintaining the neutral status requirement for competition participation.
In late March 2023, the International Olympic Committee recommended maintaining neutral status for Russian athletes provided they do not actively support the ongoing hostilities. The IOC noted that neutrality could continue while ensuring athletes are not used as a vehicle for political messaging or mobilization inside the sport’s arena.
There has been ongoing discussion within the Biathlon Federation community about the potential for a Russian return to international competition. While some argue that amendments to neutral participation could be considered, others urge continued restrictions to preserve the credibility and safety of the sport’s international calendar. The Ukrainian federation has consistently emphasized the need for clear, principled rules that align with broader sporting sanctions and international law, arguing that sport should uphold humanitarian and democratic values even under pressure.
As the situation evolves, the Ukrainian federation remains focused on maintaining transparency, supporting athletes who compete under neutral banners, and encouraging a consistent, unified policy across international biathlon governance. The overarching message is that a federation-level framework, backed by a robust enforcement mechanism, offers the most durable protection for fair play and the integrity of world biathlon competition.