Russian skiers will be barred from the Olympics: FIS made a decision.

According to inkorr.com: The Kremlin expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of the International Ski Federation (FIS), which has banned Russian skiers from participating in competitions. Dmitry Peskov, the president's spokesman, noted that this decision was made based on the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and has caused deep disappointment in Russia.

“It is approached with disappointment. As you know, the decision is made by a separate federation based on the IOC's recommendations. And we, of course, are disappointed in connection with the fact that this individually taken federation made such a decision,” said Peskov.

The Kremlin representative believes it is important to continue cooperation with FIS to protect the rights of Russian athletes. Earlier, the FIS Council decided not to allow Russians and Belarusians to Olympic qualifying competitions.

Neutral status for Russian athletes from FIS

The International Ski Federation (FIS) has made a decision to bar athletes with individual neutral status (AIN) from qualifying competitions for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This status, developed by the International Olympic Committee, aims to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the competitions of the Winter Olympics. In essence, Russian speed skater Daniil Naidenishev is recognized by the ISU as a neutral athlete, known for his support of the attitude towards the occupation of Ukraine.

It also became known that Naidenishev is subscribed to the page of Russian soldier Mikhail Lebedev on Instagram, where Lebedev posts materials about his participation in the war against Ukraine and supports gymnast Nikita Nagorny.

After the FIS decision to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from Olympic qualifying competitions, the International Ski Federation allowed participation in a neutral status developed by the International Olympic Committee. However, special attention is drawn to one of the Russian athletes who has sympathies towards the occupiers of Ukraine.

The Kremlin reacted to the FIS decision, which practically took away the opportunity for Russian athletes to compete in international competitions. This underscores the ongoing tension in the world of sports, where politics and sports often intertwine. Currently, Russian athletes are demanding the restoration of their rights, but the situation remains complex. In the context of international isolation, it is important to monitor the further steps of both Russia and the relevant sports organizations.