Ukraine's address to the IOC and IBSF
Ukraine has appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) requesting the inclusion of Russian athletes on the list of neutral athletes due to their support for the war. The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine (NOC), and the All-Ukrainian Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation put forward this initiative against the backdrop of numerous facts indicating the active pro-Ukrainian stance of Russian athletes.
Athletes affected by the address
Among the athletes this address concerns are:
- Vladislav Semenov - a serviceman of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation holding the rank of private.
- Aliona Frolova - publicly approved materials that featured the use of 'Georgian ribbon', a symbol of Russian aggression.
- Daniil Romanov - expressed support by signing on the official page of Dmitry Medvedev, one of the key political figures in Russia.
- Ermey Zikov - publicly endorsed content with the 'Z' symbol associated with Russian military actions in Ukraine.
- Ermey Zikov illegally visited the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in 2022.
- Polina Tyurina - was in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea in 2022.
- Victoria Fettel - subscribed to the page of propagandist Artemy Lebedev, known for his anti-Ukrainian views.
- Oleksandra Sayutina - visited the annual address of Vladimir Putin to the Federal Assembly on February 29, 2024.
- Veronika Stepanova - posted a photo on Instagram showing Sayutina participating in a propaganda event.
Thus, Ukraine's address to the IOC and IBSF underscores the importance of the neutrality of athletes on the international stage, especially in the context of an ongoing war. The mentioned facts indicate the active support of aggressive policies by Russian athletes, raising concerns about their participation in international sports competitions.
This appeal from Ukraine to international sports organizations reflects the broader political and social situation faced by athletes amid war. The determination of athlete neutrality becomes especially relevant in the context of global competitions where political positions can influence sports results and reputation. The Ukrainian side seeks not only to protect its interests but also to express solidarity with all who suffer from military conflicts.