Ukraine expects IOC to suspend Russia from Olympics - PM Shmyhal

Ukraine expects the International Olympic Committee to exclude the Russian Federation from participation in the Olympics.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"Sports and military aggression are incompatible. States that have stained themselves with the blood of Ukrainians must not participate in the Olympics," said the head of the Ukrainian government.

He emphasized that since the full-scale invasion, Russia has killed 340 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, destroyed or damaged 343 sports facilities, and has been attacking Ukrainian cities and villages with missiles and drones on a daily basis.

"Ukraine is determined. A powerful international coalition for fair sport has been formed, which includes 35 states. Together, we are ready to boycott Paris Olympics if the Russian Federation and Belarus are allowed to compete. We expect the IOC to make the right decision and resolutely remove the aggressor from the Olympics," Shmyhal said.

As reported earlier, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced it would not send invitations to Russia and Belarus for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris (France).

Paris will host the Summer Olympics from July 26 to August 11, 2024, while the Paralympics will be held from August 28 to September 8.