The Kremlin expressed disappointment over the decision of the International Ski Federation (FIS), which does not allow Russian skiers to participate in tournaments. Dictator spokesman Dmitry Peskov believes this decision was made at the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee and has caused disappointment in Russia.
“We regard it with disappointment. As you know, the decision is made by a separate federation at the recommendation of the IOC. And we are certainly disappointed that this separately taken federation has made such a decision,” said Peskov.
In the opinion of the Kremlin representative, it is important to continue working with FIS to protect the interests of Russian athletes. Earlier, the FIS Council decided not to allow Russians and Belarusians to the Olympic qualifying competitions.
Neutral status for Russian athletes from FIS
The International Ski Federation (FIS) voted against allowing athletes with individual neutral status (AIN) to the qualifying competitions for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This status was developed by the International Olympic Committee as a way for athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the qualification for the Winter Olympic Games. It should be noted that Russian speed skater Daniil Naidenishev has been recognized by ISU as a neutral athlete supporting the occupiers of Ukraine.
It also turned out that Naidenishev is a subscriber to the page of the Russian occupier Mikhail Lebedev on Instagram, where Lebedev posts materials about his participation in the war against Ukraine, and also supports gymnast Nikita Nagorny.
After the FIS decision not to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Olympic qualifying competitions, the International Ski Federation made the decision to allow them under the neutral status developed by the International Olympic Committee. However, it turned out that one of the Russian athletes, this status attracts attention due to his sympathies for the occupiers of Ukraine.