Baltic Presidents Call for Reversal of IOC Decision Allowing Russians at the Olympics

The presidents of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia — Edgars Rinkēvičs, Gitanas Nausėda, and Alar Karis, respectively — have demanded the cancellation of the International Olympic Committee's decision to restrict the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympics. During a meeting in Tallinn, they expressed their disapproval of the IOC's limited admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Games without the use of national symbols (flag, coat of arms, and anthem). According to ERR reports, they consider this decision unacceptable and are even considering the possibility of boycotting the Olympic Games if Russians and Belarusians are allowed to compete.

"We have already seen the reaction of several sports federations, and I personally believe that violence, killings, and destruction have no place at the Olympic Games. It is distressing that such decisions are made at critical moments in the war in Ukraine," stated Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda. He also noted that the Baltic Presidents hope for the reversal of this decision.

Estonian President Alar Karis supported this stance, stating that he finds the IOC decision unacceptable both as a citizen and as a sports enthusiast.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs took the most radical position, suggesting that if the IOC does not reverse its decision to allow Russians to the Olympic Games, Latvia should consider boycotting the event. However, such decisions should be coordinated and thought out by the governments and sports communities of each country, including Ukraine, the Baltic States, and other European nations unhappy with this decision.

"The decision to boycott must be coordinated and well thought out with like-minded countries, including Ukraine, the Baltic States, and other European countries that are also dissatisfied with this decision. If nothing changes, it would be very difficult for me to imagine Ukrainian and Latvian athletes competing at the Olympics," added Edgars Rinkēvičs.

Recall that according to the decision of the International Olympic Committee, Russian and Belarusian athletes will have the right to participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris only in individual disciplines as "neutral" athletes without the right to use national symbols.

Additionally, athletes who openly supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine or have connections to the armed forces or security agencies of these countries will not be allowed to participate in the Games. Ukrainian journalists have calculated that slightly more than a dozen athletes meet these criteria.

The Gaze magazine also reported that a Czech magazine has designed a "bloody collection" of sports uniforms for "neutral" Olympians from Russia and Belarus.