Ukrainian athletes are currently participating in nine different sporting events at the ongoing Olympic Games, all while facing the challenges of war in their homeland. The Ukrainian government had urged its athletes to refrain from shaking hands with Russian athletes before the Games, citing concerns about Russian propaganda and disinformation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine issued a statement cautioning Ukrainian athletes to be mindful of their interactions with athletes from Russia, emphasizing the need to avoid individuals associated with Russian leadership and military due to allegations of war crimes.
The ministry stressed the importance of upholding Olympic values such as fair play, excellence, solidarity, mutual respect, and friendship. However, Ukrainian athletes have been confronted with the harsh reality of war, with reports of sports facilities being destroyed and athletes losing their lives since the start of the conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed pride in the Ukrainian athletes representing their country at the Olympics despite the challenging circumstances. He highlighted the significance of Ukraine's presence at the Games, emphasizing that the country's flag and anthem symbolize the values of life and Olympism.
Earlier this year, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine issued guidelines for athletes, advising them to avoid contact with Russian and Belarusian athletes to prevent potential provocations. The recommendations aimed to safeguard Ukrainian athletes from any disruptive incidents during the Games.
