Ukraine condemns 'Russian athlete' decision

In a written statement shared on the Ministry's social media account, Bidnyi reacted to the IOC's announcement that Russian and Belarusian athletes could participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as neutrals.

Describing the IOC's decision as "irresponsible," Bidnyi stated the following:

"We have explained to our international partners and the Olympic committee that Russian athletes hold the same passports as the invaders who are killing Ukrainians. This means that (the athletes) bear a portion of the responsibility for the deaths of Ukrainians. You cannot hide behind a white flag of neutrality during wartime. At a time when Europe is experiencing its bloodiest war since World War II and one nation is attempting to destroy another, neutrality means irresponsibility and tacit consent to murderers. We strongly condemn the irresponsible decision of the IOC Executive Board members."

Bidnyi noted that they would make a decision regarding whether Ukrainian athletes will participate in the 2024 Olympics after consulting with the Ukrainian sports community and the country's top political leadership.

The IOC had announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games under "neutral athlete" status, and stated that flags, emblems, and anthems belonging to Russia and Belarus would not be permitted.

News Source: AA