Ukraine’s Sports Minister, Matviy Bidnyi, has strongly condemned the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to ease restrictions on Russian athletes, calling the move “cynical,” hypocritical, and a display of a total lack of respect for sport.
The IOC recently paved the way for Russian athletes to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics under strict conditions, allowing them to participate in team events and qualifiers even though Russian forces continue to occupy Ukrainian territory more than four years after the 2022 invasion. The IOC justified its decision by stating that an athlete’s participation should not be limited by the actions of their governments.
Bidnyi argued that the timing of the announcement was particularly insensitive, coming on a day of mourning in Kyiv immediately following massive missile and drone strikes that killed 26 people in Kyiv and Vyshneve. He accused the IOC of playing into the hands of a “bloody aggressor” and rewarding Russia with concessions while the Ukrainian capital mourned.
The initial IOC ban on the Russian Olympic Committee was imposed in October 2023 after Moscow included sports organizations in illegally annexed Ukrainian territories as members. Although the IOC stated it received assurances that Russia no longer conducts activities in those regions, Bidnyi dismissed this as manipulation. He stated that Ukraine regularly provides the IOC with evidence—such as local teams participating in Russian championships—showing that Russia remains active in occupied lands, but accused the IOC leadership under Kirsty Coventry of turning a blind eye.
In contrast, Bidnyi praised World Athletics and its president, Sebastian Coe, for maintaining their ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, labeling their stance as a model of integrity and moral clarity. He invited Coventry and other IOC officials to visit Ukraine to witness the reality of the war firsthand, including ruined sports academies and athletes training through missile sirens.
Despite his strong opposition, Bidnyi ruled out boycotting sports events where Russian athletes are present, emphasizing that Ukraine will stand its ground to ensure its voice is heard. However, he expressed deep concern over the prospect of athletes competing at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, noting that allowing Russia to participate sends a horrific message to the next generation by effectively normalizing war crimes and the kidnapping of children.
