Poland refused to allow Russians to participate in the Diving World Cup in 2027

Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be allowed to participate in the European Diving Championships (XT), which will be held in 2027, unless the conflict in Ukraine is resolved. This was announced on April 17 by the head of the Polish Swimming Association Otylia Jedrzejczak.

"If the situation does not change, we will not allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate," Polskie Radio quoted her as saying.

At the same time, she noted that this decision applies only to small domestic competitions, and Russian athletes will be allowed to attend major international tournaments with a flag and anthem.

On April 16, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, called on the countries of the European Union to protect the autonomy of sport and maintain its political neutrality. She explained that this would allow athletes from any country to participate in competitions without political pressure.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on March 4 that the IOC should clarify the differences in approaches to Russia and the conflicting parties in the Middle East. This is how he reacted to the organization's statement related to the non-imposition of sanctions against participants in the military operation of the United States and Israel against Iran. Peskov drew attention to the fact that a different position applies to Russia and Belarus.