The decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to restore the rights of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) has triggered a sharp reaction in Kyiv. Amidst increasing sanctions pressure from the West, Ukrainian authorities express deep concern regarding the potential return of Russian athletes to the international stage.

Ukraine’s Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, Vladislav Vlasjuk, told RBC-Ukraine journalists that any steps toward restoring full participation of Russian sports structures contradict the logic of the current geopolitical situation.

Link Between Sport and Security Agencies

Kyiv’s key argument lies in the close integration of Russian sport with state security agencies. According to Vlasjuk, a significant number of Russian athletes represent clubs affiliated with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the National Guard, and other structures. Many hold military ranks, which, in the view of the Ukrainian side, makes them part of the military machine.

Special attention is paid to the public stance of Russian sports stars. Vlasjuk listed the names of Olympic champions and medalists who openly support the war against Ukraine:

  • Angelina Melnikova
  • Yana Egoryan
  • Vladislav Larin
  • Svetlana Dashaninaeva

These athletes not only publicly endorsed the Kremlin’s policies but also participated in propaganda events and visited territories occupied by Russia. Ukraine has already imposed personal sanctions against them for such actions.

New Targets for European Sanctions

Political pressure extends not only to athletes but also to the leadership of the sports movement. Ukrainian authorities are discussing expanding sanctions lists within the framework of the upcoming 21st EU sanctions package. In particular, Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), who is already under Ukrainian sanctions, may come under fire.

Among other officials against whom European restrictions are being considered are:

  • Russian Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyarev
  • President of the Wrestling Federation Mikhail Mamiashvili
  • Former head of the ROC Stanislav Pozdnyakov

Sport as a Tool of Propaganda

Vladislav Vlasjuk emphasized that in Russia, sport remains a powerful tool of state propaganda and support for military operations. Therefore, international organizations, according to the Ukrainian commissioner, should not ease isolation but maintain a strict policy toward all who contribute to aggression.

Against this backdrop, FIFA has begun preparations for an official discussion on potentially lifting the ban on Russian teams participating in international tournaments. The trigger for these discussions was the IOC’s decision to lift the disqualification of the ROC and notify international sports federations accordingly.