Sibiha: Allowing Russian hockey players to compete will stain the ice with Ukrainian blood

Kyiv's reaction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiha expressed sharp criticism of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision, which will allow Russian hockey teams to participate in international competitions. The head of Ukraine's Foreign Ministry emphasised that such a step is unacceptable against the backdrop of the ongoing war.

The war has not stopped

In his statement, Sibiha noted that the return of Russian hockey to the international arena will stain the ice with Ukrainian blood. He emphasised that Russia has not stopped its war, continues to kill Ukrainians and carries out relentless attacks on cities. According to the minister's position, no changes have occurred that would justify the return of the Russian Federation's national hockey teams to competitions.

Threat of legitimising aggression

Official Kyiv considers the CAS decision to legitimise Russia's participation in the World Championship unacceptable. Russian national teams represent a state that is still waging an aggressive war. Allowing these teams to compete would currently grant Moscow the international legitimacy it seeks.

Appeal to the international community

«Я закликаю міжнародну спортивну спільноту та всіх наших партнерів зайняти тверду позицію проти повторного допуску Росії до міжнародних змагань. Неможливо продовжувати свою діяльність, поки Росія веде війну проти України» ("I call on the international sports community and all our partners to take a firm stance against the readmission of Russia to international competitions. It is impossible to continue our activities while Russia is waging war against Ukraine"), wrote the head of Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, Andrii Sibiha.