More than three years have passed since the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army in February 2022Russia has logically been banned from international sport, like its neighbor, Belarus. While the IOC will soon decide how Russian and Belarusian athletes will be able (or not) to take part in Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was able to talking to Kirsty Coventry that holds the top spot. " Ukraine, like many other pro-life countries, is counting on the IOC to maintain the principled position it defended at the Paris Games in the face of aggressive Russia and its accomplice, Belarus. " he said on social media.
I spoke with the President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelenskyy (@ZelenskyyUa) September 1, 2025
I congratulated her on her election to the office, wished her success, and thanked for the IOC's support for Ukraine and for our athletes.
Unfortunately, Russia continues its aggression and… pic.twitter.com/OZAm7jjhX0
« I thanked her for the IOC's support for Ukraine and our athletes. Unfortunately, Russia continues its aggression and takes no steps towards peace, writes the Ukrainian president. Today, no one is more destructive of sports infrastructure – and of the very principles of Olympism – than the Russian state. Since the beginning of this war, More than 600 Ukrainian athletes and coaches were killed by Russian attacks, and hundreds of our sports facilities have been destroyed. Every sporting event Russia manages to gain access to is systematically hijacked for the benefit of its state propaganda. This is why it is crucial to maintain a distance between the sports movement and this Russian scourge. »
In July, Coventry had hinted that the participation of Russians and Belarusians would remain permitted only under condition of neutrality, like in Paris. I will not anticipate the decisions of the executive committee, but I think we will probably follow the same decision as for Paris. " she confided to L'Equipe.
