In kyiv, the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics is not going well

About thirty Russian and Belarusian athletes will participate in the Olympic events under a neutral banner. In kyiv, this presence is criticized.

Russian and Belarusian athletes will participate in the Paris Olympics. There will be 15 Russians and 17 Belarusians competing under a neutral banner, according to the latest figures from the International Olympic Committee. Their presence is not to the taste of Ukrainian citizens, met in the streets of kyiv.

Ukrainians have long hoped for the disqualification of Russian and Belarusian athletes, such as Olga, a resident of the capital. “I am against their participation in these Olympic Games, because they invaded our country, Ukraine.” She does not hide his incomprehension, and above all, his anger: “I am against their participation in these Olympic Games, because they invaded our country, Ukraine. They are killing us, killing our children and our soldiers. I am really against it.”she insists.

Even a small one, the Russian delegation has no place in this competition, insists Yuri. He is one of the displaced people from the city of Bakhmut in Donbass. He considers that the presence of these athletes is contrary to the values ​​of Olympism.

“They should not participate in this event, because Russia is attacking us and the Olympics should promote peace. Their participation will set a precedent. It is shameful.”

Yuri, a Ukrainian

to franceinfo

Even though Russian and Belarusian athletes will be deprived of their flag, they will still be serious opponents. Especially since each victory will be used by Russia or Belarus for propaganda purposes, says Andrei, from the city of Kherson: “I am sure that they sent the best to Paris and that they will win… And when they return home, they will be celebrated as heroes. If Russian athletes win medals, well, they will be stained with the blood of Ukrainian children.“, he concludes.

But Ukrainians will not have to endure the parade of Russian and Belarusian athletes during the opening ceremony. They will not participate in it, on orders from the International Olympic Committee.