Ukrainian athletes against allowing Russians and Belarusians at Olympics 2024

For almost a year now, Ukrainian athletes have been living in a new reality. Due to Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, many of them were forced to leave their country to train safely somewhere else, some joined the ranks of the Armed Forces, and some lost their loved ones, or their homes. So far, Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine has killed 231 Ukrainian athletes and coaches and has destroyed more than 340 sports facilities.

Despite all this suffering, the International Olympic Committee is still considering the possibility of allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the 2024 Olympics, citing respect for human rights. But will the rights of Ukrainian athletes be respected when they are forced to meet with representatives of the country that kills their fellow citizens, even if these representatives are under the so-called “neutral” flag?

We have compiled a selection of quotes from famous former and active Ukrainian athletes about the possible admission of Russians and Belarusians to the Olympics.