Ukraine allows athletes to compete even as russian flags return

Ukraine is preparing to send its athletes back into international competition even when russian and belarusian participants appear under their national symbols, marking a significant shift in sports policy after nearly four years of war.

The move reflects growing concern within Ukraine’s sports leadership that prolonged absence from major events is harming athletes’ careers and the country’s long term sporting development.

Decision shaped by mounting losses in sport

Vadym Huttsait, head of the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee, said the country can no longer afford to stay away from international tournaments, according to remarks he made on Ukraine’s national joint 24,7 television newscast, as reported by lb.ua.

Huttsait argued that the war has already inflicted severe damage on Ukraine’s sporting infrastructure and youth development, leaving athletes increasingly isolated from global competition.

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Participation with strict boundaries

While confirming that Ukrainian athletes will compete alongside russian and belarusian rivals, Huttsait stressed that participation will come with strict behavioural limits.

According to Huttsait, a special commission will be established to determine which tournaments Ukraine will enter and to outline how athletes must conduct themselves. Ukrainian competitors will continue to avoid symbolic gestures such as handshakes, shared podium appearances or joint photographs with russian or belarusian athletes.

“These rules are already known to the athletes,” Huttsait said, adding that compliance will be mandatory at all international events.

Ministry order signals policy reversal

The announcement marks a potential reversal of an existing directive from Ukraine’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, according to previous reporting by lb.ua.

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That order, introduced on 13 April 2023, required Ukrainian teams to boycott any international tournaments where russian or belarusian athletes competed under their own flags. The restrictions were partially relaxed in July 2023, allowing limited exceptions, but the core ban remained in place.

Huttsait said the ministry is expected to formally approve the new approach in the near future.

International pressure reshapes the landscape

The shift comes amid broader changes in international sport. According to the International Olympic Committee, global federations have been encouraged to allow russian and belarusian athletes to compete at youth level events, provided certain conditions are met.

Several international sports bodies have already adopted those recommendations, increasing pressure on national Olympic committees, including Ukraine’s, to reconsider long standing boycotts.

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Ukrainian officials say the updated stance is intended to preserve athletes’ competitive standing while maintaining clear political and symbolic boundaries.

Sources, lb.ua, Ukrainian National Olympic Committee, International Olympic Committee

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