Olympic Games: Ukraine accused IOC of using “double standards” over Russia

The sports minister of Ukraine has accused the International Olympic Committee of using “double standards” by claiming Russian and Belarusian athletes might participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Ukraine is still absolutely against the IOC “exploring a road” for athletes from the countries to participate.

“Was there a change?” No changes have been made. “The IOC first prohibited them, but they are now attempting to get them to be allowed to compete,” said Vadym Guttsait.

When the IOC executive board meets on Tuesday in Switzerland, the issue of sanctions against Russian and Belarusian athletes will be a key priority.

The “International Olympic Committee (IOC)” requested that sports federations prohibit athletes from Russia and its partner Belarus shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine last year.

The IOC did allow athletes from the nations to compete in Paris while flying a neutral flag, though, last month.

The Olympics “cannot avoid wars and conflicts,” the IOC explained in a statement explaining its choice, but the Games “may motivate us to overcome problems by establishing bridges.”

Guttsait, however, asserted that while his nation was being attacked, it was difficult to separate sport from politics. In addition, there are no conditions in Ukraine for regular training or Olympic Games preparations, he said.

The IOC is urging sports to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals, but the individual federations must still make that decision.

World Athletics announced on Thursday that it would continue to impose the ban.

Sebastian Coe, President of the International Athletics Federation, stated that “the sanction seems to be the only peaceful method to disrupt and impair Russia’s current ambitions and that Russia’s actions over the last year have only reinforced his resolve on this matter.”

Guttsait stated, “I’d want to thank Sebastian Coe and the entire World Athletics Board for their encouragement for Ukraine, compassion, and unity with us—not just in words, but also in acts.