Ukraine may boycott 2024 Olympics over IOC’s encouraging approach to Russian and Belarusian athletes

Ukraine is considering boycotting the 2024 Paris Olympics over concerns about the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) encouraging approach to Russian and Belarusian athletes, acting Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi said on national television.

“If the IOC allows supporters of the bloody Russian regime to participate, then it will be practically impossible for [Ukraine] to participate in the Olympics in Paris,” Bidnyi said.

Read also: Ukrainian fencers will boycott competitions with Russian and Belarussian athletes

“We will continue to analyze the situation. If participation would allow us to inform the world about what is happening in Ukraine, then we will work in that direction.”

The IOC decided to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the competition under a neutral flag, setting out several requirements on Dec. 8.

Ukraine called the decision “condoning murderers.” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the IOC had thus given Russia the green light to use the Olympics as a weapon.

Read also: Ukrainian gymnast backs decision on boycotting competitions with Russians and Belarusians

Following the decision, the Czech magazine Reflex created uniform options for Russian and Belarusian athletes — a neutral white covered in red blood.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine

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