Ukraine threatens to boycott Russia's participation in the Olympics

Ukraine has again threatened to boycott the 2024 Olympics if Russia and Belarus take part in the Summer Games in Paris.

August 15, 2023

From: dpa

“States that have stained themselves with the blood of Ukrainians cannot take part in the Olympic Games,” wrote Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Telegram on Tuesday night. Schmyhal said 35 other countries were ready to join the boycott for “fair sport,” but did not name them.

He expects the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to make the “right decision” and thus exclude Russia. According to a statement, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Ukraine has not yet made a final decision. Currently, Ukrainians only take part in competitions when Russians and Belarusians start as individual athletes under a neutral flag. It was not said whether this would also be an acceptable variant for the Olympics. The IOC has not yet decided on this, but has not formally invited the National Olympic Committees from Russia and Belarus to the games.

Sports Minister Wadym Hutzajt, also President of the NOK, had already threatened an Olympic boycott in January if Russian and Belarusian athletes took part. Ukraine has been fending off a Russian invasion, which was also launched from Belarusian territory, for over 17 months. The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are scheduled for July 26th to August 11th.