Ukrainian Champion Accepts Russian Citizenship: Shocking Betrayal in the Sports World.

According to ТСН: One of the most sensational news this week in the sports world is Ukrainian diver Sofia Lyskun, a medalist of the youth Olympic Games, as well as World and European Championships, stating that she has received Russian citizenship and is currently in Russia. Furthermore, she has deleted all anti-war posts from social media and accused Ukraine of mixing sports with politics.

«I voluntarily accept Russian citizenship»

In May 2025, Sofia Lyskun won 'gold' for the Ukrainian team in team competitions and 'silver' in synchronized diving at the European Championship. However, in December, she shocked the Ukrainian sports community:

«I, Sofia Valerievna Lyskun, voluntarily and consciously accept the citizenship of the Russian Federation. I solemnly swear to adhere to the constitution and laws of the Russian Federation.»

Coach's Reaction

The coach of the Ukrainian diving team, Tamara Tokmachova, who has worked with Sofia since 2007, did not expect such a move from the athlete. After the occupation of her native Luhansk, Lyskun moved to Kyiv and always maintained a pro-Ukrainian position.

«Athletes from Luhansk, Donetsk, Mariupol initially always spoke Russian, but she quickly learned Ukrainian and always gave interviews in Ukrainian. She also strongly condemned the aggression of Russia,» the coach says.

When asked if Lyskun sang the anthem during victories, Tamara Tokmachova replied: ‘Well, she not only sang, sometimes she cried.’

Accusations of 'Unprofessionalism'

The coach is shocked by Lyskun's statements about the incompetence of Ukrainian coaches. In Russian media, the athlete stated:

«A lot of factors. This has been dragging on since childhood... the same attitude from the coaches, and indecent approach, unprofessionalism of the coaches, as mostly all our coaches were gymnasts or trampolinists.»

The Ukrainian Diving Federation is outraged, emphasizing that if the quality of coaches was inadequate, Ukraine would not have won so many medals.

Reaction from the Ministry of Sports and Other Examples

The athlete is called a traitor in the Ministry of Youth and Sports. They assure that they will take all measures to end her international career.

«There is an information and cognitive war being waged against us. And the enemy does everything to systematically influence the consciousness of our youth. She herself admitted that she communicated for a long time with her coach, who remained in Moscow. She has become such an informational trigger to strike again at our youth, at the consciousness of our citizens, to undermine trust in the Ukrainian state,» highlighted Matviy Bidny.

According to the minister, similar cases have occurred, but they are few. For example, rower Larisa Zhalinska moved to Russia, calling her betrayal a 'return to historical homeland.'

There are also examples when money does not solve everything. Recently, Qatar offered the world record holder and star of athletics Yaroslav Maguchikh to compete under its flag, but she refused.

This situation once again emphasizes how complex the issue of athletes' loyalty is in times of war. Betrayal in sports has always caused a storm of emotions, but against the backdrop of current events, when Ukrainians are experiencing emotional and physical trials, this case is perceived especially sharply. Sports cease to be just a competition — it becomes a symbol of identity and political views.