The IOC called on winter sports federations to allow Russians and Belarusians to qualify for the 2026 Olympics.

The IOC called for Russian athletes to be allowed to qualify for the 2026 Olympics

The International Olympic Committee has called for Russian athletes to be allowed to qualify for the 2026 Olympics. This statement was made by the Swedish Olympic Committee.

According to reports, the IOC has clearly expressed a desire to include neutral athletes in the winter Olympics. They hope that this will be achieved and that Russian athletes will be able to participate in the selection for the next season.

The head of the International Biathlon Union, Olle Dahlin, stated that the issue of admission is not being considered due to the suspension of Russia and Belarus' membership. For its part, the IOC has refused to comment on the situation.

Russian athletes and ex-chess player Sergey Karjakin on the EU sanctions list

Olympic champion Mykyta Nahornyi and chess player Sergey Karjakin have been included in the European Union sanctions list.

Sergey Karjakin, who became a senator of the Federation Council of Russia, supported Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine. He was suspended as a grandmaster in chess and continued to engage in illegal activities supporting the Russian armed forces. According to the EU statement, he supports actions that threaten the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

Mykyta Nahornyi, besides his sports achievements, offered to send gifts to Russian troops fighting against Ukraine. He publicly supported Russia's actions in Ukraine and promoted the aggressive war. He was also involved in the mass abduction and relocation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories.