Ukrainian ministers have expressed strong disapproval of actions taken by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) during the ongoing Winter Paralympic Games in Italy. The remarks follow allegations of systematic pressure on Ukrainian athletes and coaches from IPC representatives.
Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, and Matviy Bidnyy, the Minister of Youth and Sports, issued a statement condemning what they described as discriminatory and disrespectful treatment of the Ukrainian national team. They criticized the IPC for allowing the display of Russian and Belarusian flags, which they argue are tainted by the ongoing conflict, while attempting to restrict Ukrainian symbols and colors.
“The IPC’s decision to side with Russia in its genocidal war against Ukraine is immoral and contradicts the principles of Olympism and humanity,”
the ministers stated. They added that future generations would rightly label these decisions as a disgrace.
Earlier, the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee reported instances of pressure exerted on its athletes and coaches during the competitions taking place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. At least two incidents involved the use of the national flag by both athletes and supporters.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the IPC has permitted six Russian athletes and four from Belarus to compete under their national flags, rather than neutral designations. This decision has drawn significant criticism from various nations.
In protest, the Ukrainian team did not participate in the opening ceremony held in Verona, a move echoed by teams from Austria, Romania, Great Britain, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Poland.
The Winter Paralympic Games are scheduled to run from March 6 to March 15 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Ukrainian officials have condemned the International Paralympic Committee's treatment of their athletes at the Winter Paralympic Games, citing discriminatory practices and pressure on competitors. The controversy centers on the IPC's allowance of Russian and Belarusian flags while restricting Ukrainian symbols.
Source: Radio Svoboda