Ukraine Condemns the IOC Decision to Allow Russians and Belarusians to Participate in the 2024 Olympics
The decision of the International Olympic Committee's Executive Board to permit Russians and Belarusians to compete in the 2024 Olympics under a neutral status is deemed irresponsible.
This was stated by the Acting Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Matviy Bidnyi.
"Just recently, the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, announced that the relevant decision by the IOC would only be made in March next year," the statement reads.
Bidnyi informed that Ukraine, on its part, has explained to international partners and the Olympic Committee that Russian athletes hold the same passports as the occupiers who are killing Ukrainians. This implies that they bear responsibility for the deaths of Ukrainians.
"During war, one cannot hide behind the white flag of 'neutrality.' Neutrality at a time when the bloodiest war in Europe since World War II is ongoing, and one nation tries to destroy another, signifies irresponsibility and tacit approval of the killers," added the Acting Minister.
Bidnyi stated that Ukraine strongly condemns the irresponsible decision of the members of the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee. He stated that the only state that has violated the Olympic truce three times is the Russian Federation. Additionally, Russia is attempting to hold an alternative Olympics and threatens to come to the sports event in tanks.
"What else does Russia have to do - whom else should Russia kill, for the International Olympic Committee to finally take off its rose-colored glasses regarding this terrorist country?" the statement reads.
Bidnyi also informed that Ukraine will later decide on the country's participation in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games after consultations with the Ukrainian sports community and the country's top political leadership.
Today, the International Olympic Committee has allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games. They will compete under a neutral status.
Ukraine, in turn, considers boycotting the Olympics if Russia and Belarus are allowed to participate. As Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated, our country and 34 other states have formed a coalition ready to boycott if the IOC admits athletes from the terrorist country and its ally to the competition.