Macron: 'There Can Be No Russian Flag at the Paris Olympics'

In light of discussions regarding the potential participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that "there can be no Russian flag at the Olympics," according to Euronews.

In an interview with the sports outlet L’Equipe, Macron asserted that there is a consensus regarding the absence of the Russian flag at the 2024 Games. He noted that the final decision on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes as individuals will depend on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and its president, Thomas Bach.

Despite the ongoing war instigated by Russia in Ukraine, which Belarus supports, the IOC has recommended allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as individuals in international events. However, they will be required to compete under a neutral flag, and their participation will hinge on whether they have actively supported the war in Ukraine.

"The real question that the Olympic world needs to address is how to accommodate Russian athletes who have sometimes trained for their entire lives and may become victims of the regime," Macron stated. He emphasized the importance of differentiating between Russian athletes supporting Putin’s military efforts and those who have become victims of the regime.

"This is the real issue; the Olympic community needs to express its opinion with conscience and point out guarantees. This must also be understood by the Ukrainians," the French president added.