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Ukrainian Officials Demand IOC Review of Russian Athletes

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ukrainian sports authorities asked the International Olympic Committee to review the neutral status of Russian athletes linked to the military or sanctions violations.
The IOC allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2026 Milan Winter Games without flags or anthems.
Sports Minister Matvii Bidny said he has evidence of violations, notably in sport climbing, and urged an IOC investigation and suspension of implicated athletes.

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Story summary

Ukrainian sports authorities asked the International Olympic Committee to review the neutral status of Russian athletes linked to the military or sanctions violations.
The IOC allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2026 Milan Winter Games without flags or anthems.
Sports Minister Matvii Bidny said he has evidence of violations, notably in sport climbing, and urged an IOC investigation and suspension of implicated athletes.