Russia includes occupiers in the Paralympic team: Ukraine's reaction.

Ukraine's concerns about the participation of occupiers in Russia's Paralympic teams

According to inkorr.com: Matviy Bidny, the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, expressed serious concerns regarding the fact that Russian military personnel who participated in crimes on the territory of Ukraine are actively included in the Paralympic teams of Russia. The International Paralympic Committee confirmed that Russia has the right to register those who fought against Ukraine for competitions. But are Ukraine's international partners aware of this situation?

During informal negotiations and correspondence, we emphasize this issue. The President of the Russian Paralympic Committee has already stated that Russia's return to the international sports arena is a personal achievement of Vladimir Putin. The participation of occupiers in Russian Paralympic teams should attract the close attention of the international sports community.

At the General Assembly of the International Paralympic Committee in Seoul in September 2023, committee members voted for the full restoration of Russia's membership. This means that athletes from Russia and Belarus can compete under the auspices of the IPC with national symbols. The assembly delegates supported the return to full membership, rejecting the partial suspension of the Russian Paralympic Committee, which made this decision possible.

Address by Russian freestyle skier to the international federation

Freestyle skier Anastasia Tatalina, who represents the Russian military club CSKA, appealed to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation asking to allow her to participate in the 2026 Olympic Games. Tatalina actively supports Russian military actions against Ukraine and has received support from the President of Russia.

"I represent Russia, and I was proud when the President of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin) sent me a telegram after winning the world championship," said Tatalina.

Tatalina expressed support for the Russian slogan "we do not abandon our own".

Matviy Bidny expressed concern over the participation of Russian military personnel in the Paralympic teams and also commented on the decision of the International Paralympic Committee to restore Russia's membership. The news also highlights the appeal of the freestyle skier to the international federation regarding the 2026 Olympic Games.

The situation surrounding the participation of Russian occupiers in international competitions raises ethical issues in sports, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. The restoration of Russia's membership in international sports organizations is becoming a subject of discussion among participant countries, which seek to prevent the legitimization of military actions through sports victories.