Degtyarev called the ISU decision important for Russia's return to international sport

The decision of the International Skating Union (ISU) to allow Russian athletes to qualify for the Olympics is a significant breakthrough, bringing them closer to a full return to the international sports arena. This was stated on Friday, December 20, by Mikhail Degtyarev, Russian Sports Minister and President of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).

"The process of a full-fledged return to international sport will be difficult, but such events as the International Skating Union's decision to allow our athletes to qualify for the Olympics so far in neutral status or the recent successful performance of Russian swimmers at the World Championships are important steps on this path," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

Degtyarev noted that such a decision is much better than complete isolation of athletes. He added that the work to return Russian athletes to the international arena will continue, will require time and effort, as well as the unity of the sports community.

Olympic challenges: who has been elected to the new leadership of the ROC

Russian Sports Minister Degtyarev became the head of the organization, Rotenberg, Belozerov, Fradkov, Dyukov and Mazepin joined the executive committee

Earlier in the day it became known that the ISU allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in qualifying for the Olympic Games 2026 in Italy in neutral status. It was specified that the decision applies to competitions in speed skating, figure skating and short track. At the same time, Russian figure skaters will not be admitted to the team tournament.