Kyiv in Contention to Host a Fresh European Diving Championship

European Aquatics President Visits Kyiv

According to Главком: António Silva, the head of European Aquatics, traveled to Kyiv and signaled that Ukraine could be selected to stage a new European Diving Championship. This event would only proceed if safety guarantees are secured for every participant. Silva emphasized that he remains in regular communication with Igor Lysov, the president of the Ukrainian federation, and is optimistic about turning the vision of holding the competition in the capital into reality.

The European Diving Championship has previously taken place in Kyiv twice-in 2017 and 2019. However, given the current international climate, security concerns are paramount.

“I am in constant contact with your president, Igor Lysov, and we have plans to once again host the European Diving Championship in Kyiv. But this will only be possible once we can ensure the safety of all participants,” stated António Silva.

The Situation with Russian and Belarusian Athletes

Another critical factor involves the status of athletes from Russia and Belarus. In April 2026, World Aquatics formally lifted sanctions on these nations, enabling their competitors to use national symbols at international events. Meanwhile, European Aquatics had requested a delay in the return of representatives from these aggressor countries to competitions. In response, World Aquatics allowed these athletes to compete under a neutral designation.

Silva also underscored the importance of Ukrainian athletes taking part in global events:

“It is vital for us that Ukrainian athletes participate in competitions, as this is the best opportunity to present your country to the international community. We value your high standards and are confident that you will represent both Ukraine and Europe admirably at the 2028 Olympic Games,” said António Silva.

Bringing international competitions like the European Diving Championship back to Ukraine represents a significant milestone in restoring the nation’s sporting reputation on the world stage. It also serves as a testament to the support for Ukrainian athletes striving to compete at major events despite the challenges. As security remains a central concern, it is crucial for international sports organizations to continue collaborating with the Ukrainian federation to establish proper conditions for hosting such tournaments.

As the discussions around hosting the European Diving Championship in Kyiv advance, the broader implications of athlete participation are also coming to light. The recent decision by World Aquatics to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their flags has sparked debate within the sports community. For more insights on how this affects the landscape of international competitions, including the potential for Ukrainian representation, read about the readmission of Russian and Belarusian athletes.