Ukraine accuses IOC of ignoring Russia’s war crimes | tweet

Ukraine’s foreign minister Dymtro Kulebahoje accused the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of ignoring Russia’s war crimes by recommending the resumption of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions.

The head of Ukrainian diplomacy wrote the following on his official Twitter account:

The IOC ignores Russia’s war crimes by stating that “no athlete can be disqualified because of their passport”, while Ukrainian athletes are killed just because of their passport.

Similarly, Kuleba urged all athletes to let him know their position on the IOC decision.

On Wednesday, the IOC Executive recommended the resumption of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions under a neutral flag and if they meet a number of conditions, including “not having actively supported the war in Ukraine”.

The measure was taken exactly six months after the opening of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the qualifying tournaments of which are already underway. Athletes from both previously sanctioned countries can now access it.

In this decision, the IOC said it was considering a charter from the UN Rapporteur against Racism and Discrimination, expressing concern that banning the participation of referees, athletes and other sports players because of their nationality could constitute a discriminatory act.

The precedent of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, in which the athlete at that time Yugoslavia They could present themselves as independent without representing their country, as it was subject to international sanctions.

It also reiterated the need to intensify its sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as states that do not host an international sporting event and do not use flags, anthems or other national emblems during matches.

(With information from EFE)