INTUSK MAGAZINE

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it will uphold sanctions imposed on the countries in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This announcement follows a week that appeared to open the door for Russia and Belarus to compete in the 2024 Olympics. 

"The sanctions against the Russian and Belarusian states and governments are not negotiable. They have been unanimously confirmed by the recent Olympic summit meeting on 9 December 2022," the IOC tweeted.

These sanctions include not inviting Russian or Belarussian government officials to international sporting events and not organising sports events in both countries.

Last week, however, the IOC announced that the Olympic Council of Asia had offered Russian and Belarusian athletes the opportunity to compete in Asia, sparking outrage in Kyiv, which has called for Russian athletes to be banned in response to Russia's invasion.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, many sports organisations have suspended Russian teams or athletes in protest, with the International Olympic Committee recommending that events in Russia be cancelled and Russian and Belarusian athletes compete under a neutral flag.