---
title: "\"I don't want to see this flag and hear the anthem\": Klitschko criticizes disgraceful decision on Russians at 2026 European Boxing Championships"
description: "Former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko strongly criticized the admission of Russians with their flag and anthem at the 2026 Euros in Sofia."
date: 2026-09-26T09:34:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/klitschko-criticizes-decision-russians-euro-2026
tags: [wladimir-klitschko, boxing, euro-2026, sofia, sanctions]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# "I don't want to see this flag and hear the anthem": Klitschko criticizes disgraceful decision on Russians at 2026 European Boxing Championships

![Wladimir Klitschko at the European Boxing Championships in Sofia](https://xab.info/media/2026/09/26/klitschko-kritikuet-reshenie-po-rossiyanam-evro-2026/klitschko-kritikuet-reshenie-po-rossiyanam-evro-2026-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Wladimir Klitschko opposed allowing Russians with flags and anthems at the 2026 European Boxing Championships.
- The tournament is held in Sofia, Bulgaria, where the Ukrainian ex-champion attended as a special guest.
- Klitschko urged maintaining strict isolation and emphasized the necessity of consequences for evil.

Former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko has delivered a sharp and unambiguous critique of the decision to allow Russian boxers to compete under their own national symbols at the 2026 European Championships. The legendary former athlete openly expressed his outrage during an official visit to the continental tournament currently being hosted by Bulgaria's capital, Sofia.

### The Ukrainian Champion's Position

At the European championship taking place in Bulgaria, the Russian team is represented by twenty athletes whom international sports officials have permitted to compete displaying their national flag and playing their anthem. According to Wladimir Klitschko, such leniency by sports functionaries is a disgraceful step that undermines the foundations of the aggressor country's international isolation. The legendary boxer emphasized that this decision causes particular pain against the backdrop of ongoing human casualties.

"I am not happy with the decision that Russian athletes can perform under their flag and hear their anthem. So many athletes, children, and people in general have lost their lives even during this tournament. I don't like that there is a Russian flag here. I hope this decision will be reviewed," Klitschko stated while speaking with journalists and event organizers.

### The Necessity of Strict Consequences

In his detailed commentary, the Ukrainian heavyweight focused on the fact that the international community and sports federations in particular must maintain a principled and uncompromising stance. According to Klitschko, impunity and the absence of tangible sanctions for destructive actions effectively mean tacit support for evil by society.

"There must be consequences! If there are no consequences when you commit evil in society, it means you support it," added the athlete, who is in Sofia as an honored special guest of the tournament's final stage.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- ["Не хочу видеть этот флаг и слышать гимн": Кличко раскритиковал позорное решение по россиянам на Евро-2026 по боксу](https://sport.rbc.ua/ukr/boxing/ne-hochu-bachiti-tsey-prapor-i-chuti-gimn-1790414134.html) - Оригинальная публикация со слов Владимира Кличко во время визита в Софию на чемпионат Европы по боксу.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: Where did Wladimir Klitschko criticize the admission of Russians?
**A:** Wladimir Klitschko made this statement during a visit to the 2026 European Boxing Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria.

### Q: In what capacity did Klitschko attend the tournament?
**A:** The Ukrainian former world champion attended the competition as a special guest.