The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has authorized the participation of several Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, despite their public support for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
Among these athletes, at least three have openly endorsed the war or are members of the military.
🛑 Anastasiya Shkurdai, Belarusian, swimming
- Invited by the IOC on July 3.
- Member of the Belarusian army.
- Appeared alongside Yuri Shuleyko, chairman of the Brest Regional Executive Committee (Belarus), sanctioned by the EU, UK, Switzerland, and Canada for his support of the war.
🛑 Ivan Litvinovich, Belarusian, trampoline
- Close to Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko.
- Encouraged Belarusians to vote in an illegal referendum organized by the regime.
- Participated in a propaganda event with the dictator’s son.
🛑 Daria Chuprys, Belarusian, shooting sports
- Member of the Belarusian Armed Forces Sports Committee.
- Appeared with members of the Belarusian military at an event.
It is particularly shocking and immoral to allow the participation of these athletes representing aggressor countries in the Paris Olympics, while Ukrainian civilians are targeted daily.
Just today, Russia deliberately struck a pediatric hospital and a maternity ward in Kyiv, killing more than 20 people and injuring over 100 others.
As long as Russian bombs continue to fall on Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes have no place in the Paris Olympics. We will not let Russia turn #Paris2024 into the Games of Blood.
#BloodGames2024
