Ukraine’s Minister of Sports has strongly criticized the FIA’s move to allow Russian and Belarusian competitors back into international motorsport events.
The governing body recently announced it would lift restrictions that had barred athletes from both countries since the outbreak of hostilities. The decision is set to permit them to compete under neutral status.
The minister described the reversal as unacceptable given the ongoing conflict. He argued that readmitting the athletes sends the wrong message while military aggression continues and undermines efforts to hold those responsible to account.
He also accused the FIA of enabling “sportswashing” — using sports to improve the image of a country amid war. According to him, sport should not be separated from the broader political and humanitarian realities on the ground.
Ukraine said it will continue to engage with international sporting federations to press for solidarity with Ukrainian athletes and civilians. The minister called on other sports bodies to maintain existing sanctions until there is a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
Ukraine’s Sports Minister Slams FIA’s Decision to Reinstate Russian and Belarusian Athletes
