Ukraine considers Olympic boycott amid Russian participation controversy: Minister's stance
Photo: Matviy Bidnyi, the acting Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine (facebook com minmolodsport)
Ukraine is still deliberating its participation in next year's Olympic Games, with decisions contingent on public sentiment, notes Matviy Bidnyi, the acting Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.
According to him, decisions regarding the Olympic Games boycott will be made considering Ukraine's interests.
"It's not just sports; it's a matter of foreign policy. The decision to participate should be based on the interests of our country. We must keep a cool head and make thoughtful decisions. Every athlete understands this," the minister stated.
Bidnyi added that the decision about the Olympics would be well-considered, and for this purpose, the Ministry of Youth and Sports plans to engage with the public.
Russians may go to the 2024 Olympics
Recall that on December 8, the International Olympic Committee allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games. They will compete under a neutral status, and the IOC has already approved their emblem.
On Ukraine's part, there is consideration of boycotting the Olympics if Russia and Belarus are allowed to participate. According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, our country and 34 other states have formed a coalition ready to boycott the competition.
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Estonia and Lithuania have already condemned the decision of the International Olympic Committee to admit Russians to the 2024 Olympic Games. Germany, on its part, has called on the IOC to "exercise caution" in allowing Russians to participate in the Olympics.
