Yesterday at 19:57
Because of the war between Russia and Ukraine, 247 Ukrainian athletes have already died. 35 people are in captivity. The Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Vadym Gutzeit said this in an interview with the FREEDOM TV channel.
The Minister is convinced that now, including in the light of discussions about the admission of Russians to the 2024 Olympics, we cannot say that sport is outside politics.
“In peacetime, sport is out of politics. But not at a time when 247 Ukrainian athletes have already died, 35 are in captivity, there are wounded. 343 sports facilities were destroyed by rockets and bombs. More than 3 thousand of our athletes are at the front. And how can we now say that sport is out of politics?” Gutzeit said.
The minister stressed that Ukrainians are defending their country, and therefore they are in politics.
“We are protecting our country. We are fighting for our independence. We are in politics. We will do everything for the victory of Ukraine, so that this war ends and we begin to rebuild our country,” Vadim Gutzeit summed up.
As for the possibility of boycotting the Olympic Games in Paris, then, according to the minister, this will be an extreme measure, which, if necessary, Ukraine will take.
“A boycott is a very difficult decision for every country, including our country. Because it is important for Ukrainian athletes to be present at the Olympic Games, for our flag to be at the Olympic Games. But, of course, the lives of our soldiers, the lives of our citizens and our independence are much more important than participation in any competitions, including the Olympic Games. Therefore, if, God forbid, a decision is nevertheless made to admit Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Olympic Games, we will gather at the IOC General Assembly and will make the final decision. That is, a boycott is already the last option, ”the Minister of Youth and Sports emphasized.
