World Aquatics allowed Russian athletes: Ukraine demands a review

According to НОК: The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, and the Swimming Federation of Ukraine have appealed to the President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, and the President of World Aquatics, Husain Al-Musallam, requesting a review of the decision regarding the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to team competitions starting January 1, 2026.

Ukraine believes that the new rules of World Aquatics, which allow representatives of aggressor states to participate in team water sports even under a 'neutral' status, do not comply with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee.

The appeal, signed by the President of the NOC of Ukraine, Vadym Guttsait, the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Matviy Bidnyi, and the President of the Swimming Federation of Ukraine, Andrii Vlaskov, calls on World Aquatics to cancel the decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in team events. The participation of aggressors in sports competitions undermines the principles of the international sports movement and could be used as a tool for political propaganda.

The NOC of Ukraine reminds that as long as the war against Ukraine continues, athletes who support aggression by actions or words, or are part of military structures, cannot participate in international competitions in any capacity.

Ukraine urges World Aquatics to reconsider the decision regarding the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to team competitions in water sports starting January 1, 2026, due to the inconsistency of this step with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and the potential political explosive situation it may provoke.