Ukraine demands the IOC to exclude Russian neutral skaters

Ukraine demands the IOC and ISU to verify Russian athletes who violate the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee regarding the status of 'neutral' athletes. The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, and the Federation of Figure Skating of Ukraine have appealed to the IOC and the International Skating Union (ISU) with a request to verify the Russians participating in the competitions. This was reported by 'Glavkom'.

Ukraine emphasizes the following facts of violations of neutrality:

• Russian skater Alexandra Sayutina was present at the address of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to the Federal Assembly.
• Skater Ksenia Korzhova spreads content that glorifies the Russian army and promotes aggression against Ukraine.
• Skater Daniil Naidenishev maintains connections with soldiers of the Russian occupiers and shares publications with the symbols of the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports expresses gratitude for the assistance in gathering information from the editorial office of 'Glavkom' and the sports resource Base of Ukrainian Sports, as noted in the statement of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Reaction to Russian athletes

It should be noted that Russian skater Alexandra Sayutina, who was recognized as a neutral athlete by the International Skating Union (ISU), was present at the annual address of the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to the Federal Assembly.

The 2026 Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22 in Italy.

Several Ukrainian sports organizations have called for the IOC and ISU to verify Russian athletes who violate the rules and contribute to the propaganda of war. As a result of the conducted verification, appropriate measures may be taken regarding the participation of these athletes in future competitions.