Zelensky “disappointed” by the possible return of Russian athletes to competitions
The President of Ukraine expressed to International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach his “disappointment” with recent discussions regarding the possible reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian athletes under a neutral flag in international competitions, the Ukrainian presidency announced.
“Since February, 184 Ukrainian sportsmen have died as a result of Russian actions. You cannot try to be neutral when the foundations of a peaceful life are destroyed and universal human values are ignored,” said Volodymyr Zelensky, quoted in the press release. The leader criticizes the Russian sports world for its “silence” from the beginning of the Russian military intervention in Ukraine on February 24. “The silence of athletes, coaches and officials, he says, condones Russia’s aggressions. He adds that “Russia uses sport for propaganda purposes”.
