Ukraine Calls on IOC to Disqualify Several Russian Athletes

Ukraine has called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation to disqualify Russian athletes and ban them from competing, including at the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy. This was reported on the Telegram channel of Ukraine's Ministry of Youth and Sports.

It was noted that the statement was made jointly by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, and the All-Ukrainian Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation.

According to the announcement, Russian skeleton athletes Vladislav Semyonov, Alyona Frolova, Daniil Romanov, Yeremey Zikov, Polina Tyurina, and Victoria Fetel are disrupting the principles of the Olympic Charter by risking the use of sports as a tool for political influence.

The authors of the statement claimed that these athletes have “strong ties to the military structures of an aggressive state, display prohibited symbols, and have publicly supported individuals related to the war against Ukraine.”

Russian skeleton athletes have not yet commented on the Ukrainian side's statement.