The Russian Union of Athletes has claimed that the western world is waging "sporting genocide" upon sports stars from the nations which have invaded Ukraine.
In the seven days of fighting since Russian forces began their advance into Ukrainian territory, with the support of neighbours Belarus, hundreds of deaths have been confirmed – many of whom innocent civilians.
Vladimir Putin has been widely condemned for his aggressive military actions, while the sporting world has also reacted.
On Monday, the International Olympic Committee recommended that all Russian and Belarusian sports stars should be banned from competing in any events under their national flags.
Since then, the leaders of most top sports have followed that advice, with some even going as far as to ban teams and competitors altogether.
While such moves have been widely welcomed in the western world, it has left those athletes who have been affected furious.
"The Russian Union of Athletes cannot and will not stay away from the situation associated with unreasonable, inadequate and discriminatory sanctions that international sports authorities are now applying to all Russian and Belarusian athletes without exception," the RUA said in a statement on the Russian Olympic Committee website.
"Our organisation unites outstanding Olympians of different times and generations, of different nationalities and origins.
"Many of them were contemporaries of global political crises, military conflicts and political demarches.
"But always and everywhere, while adhering to and cherishing the Olympic traditions and values, the Olympic spirit and the unifying power of sport, they advocated for peace, equality and consolidation of the Olympic community."
The statement went on to suggest that the punishments on Russian and Belarusian athletes are unfair because no such action has been taken against other countries which have been involved in other military conflicts.
"The bombings and ethnic cleansing in Yugoslavia, military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, genocide in Africa, Asia, Latin America. All of this has happened only a short time ago," it added.
"NATO countries played the role of the ruler of destinies almost everywhere, causing the deaths of thousands of people, including innocent civilians.
"But we do not remember the international Olympic movement or any Russian athletes taking the initiative to ban their colleagues from those countries that were directly involved in military operations on the territories of other states on some pretext or other."
It went on to describe the measures taken against athletes as "a tragic destruction of the Olympic family", adding: "We are strongly against the sports genocide of the Russian and Belarusian athletes.
"We appeal to all responsible and involved persons and organisations. Reconsider your latest decisions!"
