Ukraine’s Sports Minister Threatens Olympic Boycott if Russians Are Reinstated

Ukraine is considering boycotting the Paris 2024 Olympic Games if Russian and Belarusian athletes are permitted to compete, according to the country’s sports minister, Vadim Guttsait. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is exploring ways for these athletes to return to international competition, a move Ukraine vehemently opposes.

“Our stance is firm: Russian and Belarusian athletes should not participate in international competitions as long as the war in Ukraine continues,” Guttsait stated on Facebook.

He mentioned that efforts are ongoing to extend sanctions and prevent these athletes from participating in international events. “If our concerns are ignored, a boycott of the Olympics is a possible step,” he added.

Guttsait also noted that discussions with national sports federations are planned to deliberate on a potential boycott should Russian and Belarusian athletes be allowed to return to international sports.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many sports organizations have relocated events and suspended Russian teams and athletes. Sponsors have also withdrawn support in protest. Russian and Belarusian athletes face bans in some sports, while they compete under a neutral flag in others.

The IOC, keen to reintegrate these athletes into international competitions, announced that the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) had offered a pathway for Russian and Belarusian athletes to qualify for the Paris Olympics by competing in Asia.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in a December call with IOC President Thomas Bach, opposed the idea of Russian athletes participating under any neutral banner at the 2024 Summer Games.