Zelensky deprived Bubka and other champions of scholarships: Fetisov's reaction

Fetisov's reaction to the deprivation of Sergey Bubka's scholarship

According to glavcom.ua: Russian State Duma deputy Vyacheslav Fetisov expressed his outrage over the decision of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to deprive Olympic champion Sergey Bubka of his state scholarship. According to him, this is madness, incomprehensible actions, and unknown motives.

“Madness continues. It is hard to understand what is going on in their heads. This is the elite of Ukrainian sport. I believe that everything will return to normal (after Zelensky leaves office), because incomprehensible things are happening. It was not him who granted this lifetime scholarship and it is not for him to take it away.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to stop state scholarship payments for several well-known athletes, including Sergey Bubka. Other athletes who previously received support from the state were also included in this list.

Public appearances of Russian athletes at events supporting Putin

Speed skater Alexandra Saitova, recognized as a neutral athlete by the International Skating Union (ISU), participated in the traditional address of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Federal Assembly. Her presence at the event was noted by other athletes, including skier Veronika Stepanova.

Participation in public events alongside political figures and military personnel involved in the conflict in eastern Ukraine violates the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee regarding neutral athletes.

The outrage of Russian State Duma deputy Vyacheslav Fetisov over the deprivation of the scholarship from Olympic champion Sergey Bubka and the public appearances of Russian athletes at events supporting Putin have become talking points in the sports world. The decision of the Ukrainian president and the actions of the athletes raise controversies and discussions about ethics and politics in sports.