Dmitry Svishchev, who chairs the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sport in Russia, responded to the incident in which a Polish airline refused to register tennis player Vitalia Dyachenko for a flight because of her Russian citizenship. He argued that the airline’s decision cannot go unaddressed and should be met with consequences that reflect the seriousness of the action. According to Svishchev, the incident reveals a clear anti-Russian stance toward an athlete, and it underscores the need for accountability when nationality is used as a basis for denying travel.
Svishchev urged joint efforts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Sports to pursue legal action against the carrier and to ensure that the athlete receives appropriate support. He stressed that future decisions should be weighed carefully to prevent any illegitimate acts rooted in nationality. The official emphasized the importance of protecting athletes from discriminatory treatment and safeguarding the rights of individuals regardless of their country of origin, a stance he attributed to the broader duty of state institutions to stand up for sporting figures abroad .
The episode occurred on April 24, when Vitalia Dyachenko announced that LOT Polish Airlines would not permit her to board the plane due to her nationality. The incident highlighted how travel restrictions linked to citizenship can disrupt a player’s schedule and jeopardize participation in events planned on international schedules. The airline’s decision prompted discussions about the consistency of border policies and their impact on sport, travel, and international competition .
Dyachenko, who had a travel itinerary starting in Cairo and continuing to Nice for a tennis event, faced an unexpected setback that forced her to return to Russia and miss the tournament. The situation drew attention to how complex travel routes, visa rules, and nationality-based screening intersect with professional sports, sometimes creating untenable barriers for athletes seeking to compete on neutral grounds or under neutral flags. Observers noted that continuity in competition hinges on the ability to travel freely for sanctioned events, regardless of citizenship .
In response to ongoing developments, domestic tennis players have continued competing under neutral status in line with last year’s recommendations. This approach aims to maintain participation in international circuits while navigating political sensitivities that can influence sports events. The broader context reflects a trend where national federations and athletes adapt to evolving guidelines, balancing competitive goals with the realities of applying neutrality to recorded results and travel logistics. The dialogue surrounding these measures remains dynamic as officials assess the effectiveness and fairness of neutrality policies .
Shamil Tarpishchev, who once led the Russian Tennis Federation, provided remarks about the recent ATP-250 final in Banja Luka. In that match, Andrei Rublev was defeated by Dusan Lajovic, a result that contributed to the ongoing discussion about performance under neutral conditions and the pressures athletes face when international competition is influenced by geopolitical contexts. Tarpishchev’s comments reflected an emphasis on evaluating results in light of the neutrality framework, as well as the resilience and consistency required for players to perform at high levels during such periods .