Sybiha supports ban on Russian athletes entering Norway

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha commented on Norway's decision to restrict access to the country's territory for Russian and Belarusian professional athletes and members of their teams. This ban applies to individuals planning to participate in sporting competitions. According to the head of the diplomatic department, this initiative is a reaction to the trend of easing restrictions observed in the activities of international sports federations.

Link between sport and military aggression

In his post on the social network X, Sybiha emphasised that Oslo does not support the idea of normalising the participation of Russia and Belarus in global sporting processes. The minister noted that any return of Russian athletes to international tournaments cannot be considered in isolation from the context of the war Russia is waging against Ukraine.

He separately drew attention to the links between elite Russian sport and state structures. According to Sybiha, these institutions effectively support the Kremlin's aggression.

"Granting athletes neutral status does not mean an automatic severance of these links," the Foreign Minister stated.

Position of other countries and the role of governments

The minister also mentioned the steps taken by Finland and Canada, as well as Norway's decision. He noted that such actions by individual states strengthen international resistance to Russia's return to major sports.

Sybiha added that decisions by sports organisations do not absolve governments of responsibility for assessing the broader consequences of Russian aggression. Concluding his statement, he thanked Norway and its partners for their support of Ukraine.