Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky considers the decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate under national symbols at the 2026 Paralympic Games to be unfair. The head of state stated this in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.
Redaksiya reports that according to Zelensky, this decision is not in line with European values. He noted that he does not know for sure whether this decision was made for money, emphasizing that it is a "dirty" decision and not worthy of respect. Zelensky called this decision "completely terrible" and "unfair."
The Ukrainian president also recalled the incident during the Olympic Games when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) disqualified Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladislav Heraskevych for a helmet featuring pictures of athletes who died as a result of the Russian occupation. This event, in Zelensky's opinion, demonstrates the application of double standards.
Zelensky's statements further fuel discussions about the attitude of international sports organizations towards Russian and Belarusian athletes. It is emphasized that this decision is unfair to Ukraine, which is in a state of war.