Ukraine calls IOC decision on Russia 'troubling,' wants restrictions upheld

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has expressed deep concern over the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, labeling the move "troubling."

In a statement released Tuesday, the ministry urged both international sports federations and countries hosting competitions to uphold existing restrictions on Russian athletes' participation and the use of Russian state symbols. Ukraine contends that the IOC's decision sends a disturbing signal to the global community.

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The IOC's decision to cancel the recommendations on limiting Russian athletes' participation is a troubling signal for the entire international community.

Kyiv argues that the Russian flag continues to be associated with an ongoing "unprovoked war" in Ukraine. Therefore, they insist that international sports bodies and host nations must maintain bans on Russian state symbols during competitions.

The ministry also implored international sports federations that currently restrict Russian athletes' involvement to maintain these regulations. This stance reflects Ukraine's ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and prevent the normalization of Russian actions on the international stage, particularly within the sports arena.

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under this flag an unprovoked war is continuing in Ukraine