Аre “neutral” athlets from russia really neutral?

The status of a ‘neutral’ athlete must not be a formality. They must not, under any circumstances, be linked to representatives of law enforcement agencies, military organisations or individuals involved in violations of international law.

The Russian Federation violated Ukraine’s territorial integrity back in 2014. Already during investigations by anti-doping authorities, it became clear that the state was prepared to commit systematic violations in order to achieve results in sport and strengthen its influence through sports diplomacy. Despite this, international competitions continued to be held on Russian territory for a long time.

In 2022, following the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine expresses its gratitude to the international community for its support and for the decision to suspend Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions.

Today, in 2026, nothing has changed. Russia continues to systematically violate the norms of international law, the principles of the Olympic Charter and the fundamental values of sport. In particular, the Russian Climbing Federation has incorporated regional federations from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine into its ranks, and has also established a separate commission for the development of climbing within law enforcement and military structures.

No suspensions or ‘neutral’ status have served as a constraint on supporting state policy, including actions that violate international law.

Sport is always about honesty, responsibility and respect. And these values cannot be selective.

We highly value commitment to the principles of the Olympic Charter, international law and justice, and look forward to a consistent and principled stance from the international sporting community on this matter