Statement from Ukraine’s Ministry of Youth and Sports
Ukraine’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has issued a statement expressing deep concern over decisions by international sports federations to lift restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus. The Ukrainian side has declared its intention to continue competing, fighting, and winning despite these moves. The statement also highlights Ukraine’s systematic efforts across three key areas: diplomatic advocacy, athlete protection, and documenting crimes.
Decisions by International Federations
Specifically, the International Gymnastics Federation and the International Wrestling Federation have allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete without restrictions. The World Boxing Organization and the International Modern Pentathlon Union have made similar decisions regarding Belarus. The Executive Committee of European Gymnastics has lifted sanctions on Russians and Belarusians, enabling representatives of these aggressor nations to compete under their own flag and anthem.
In response to these actions, Ukraine’s Ministry of Youth and Sports stated:
“Global sports institutions continue to abandon their moral positions. We see that more and more international federations are yielding to pressure, money, and lobbying from Russia.”
In the context of ongoing aggression against Ukraine, the Ministry emphasized that 'while Russian drones and missiles daily destroy Ukrainian cities, demolish sports schools, and kill our athletes, sports officials have decided that ‘sport is above politics.’' Facing such challenges, Ukraine cannot afford to withdraw from international competitions. 'Our strategy is to be present, fight, and win. Our mission is to earn medals, raise the Ukrainian flag, and gather the world around our anthem,' Ministry representatives stated.
Regarding Ukraine’s systematic work in this area, it was noted that one focus is diplomatic advocacy and legal analysis. The statement stresses that Russian and Belarusian symbols must be isolated, and legal experts are conducting a detailed analysis of the legal aspects of international federations’ decisions. Another critical step involves athlete protection and safety at venues:
- Currently, together with our national federations, we are initiating a review of safety and ethical protocols at competitions.
- We demand an official acknowledgment of Ukrainian athletes’ right to avoid contact with representatives of the aggressor nation and its satellites.
The statement also mentions the elimination of Russian occupier Georgiy Kamalov, a former football coach and player. Kamalov, aged 46, played for the Vladivostok team 'Era' from 2003 to 2011 and also worked with the football club 'Anri,' which he led to the level of the Russian Cup. Dmytro Nizovtsev noted that 'he was up to his neck in debt. That’s why he signed a contract. He paid it off after receiving a payout. But then he had to go fight. And die. At the age of 46.' Ukraine will continue to document crimes, recording every sports facility destroyed by Russia and every life of a Ukrainian athlete taken.
This statement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports underscores the importance of supporting Ukrainian athletes amid international decisions that could threaten their safety and moral principles. By continuing to participate in competitions, Ukraine seeks to preserve its sporting identity despite the challenging circumstances its athletes face. The actions of international federations lifting restrictions on representatives of Russia and Belarus raise concerns, as they may be seen as an unwarranted tolerance of the aggression and violence perpetrated by these countries.
While Ukraine's Ministry of Youth and Sports condemns the lifting of sanctions by various international federations, it's important to note that World Athletics has maintained its stance against Belarus. This decision highlights the ongoing complexities in the realm of international sports and the differing approaches taken by various organizations in response to geopolitical tensions.