Tragic Losses of Ukrainian Sports Due to War

During the full-scale war in Ukraine, 591 athletes and coaches have lost their lives due to the actions of Russian troops. Additionally, 22 representatives of sports are currently held captive in Russia, and 11 are missing.

This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

591 slain athletes: Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry on Russia’s crimes

Besides human losses, the Ministry reported significant destruction of sports infrastructure. A total of 725 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed, including 17 bases for Olympic, Paralympic, and Deaflympic training.

The ministry also emphasized how Russia uses sports as a tool for propaganda and aggression. An example cited is the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where 10 out of 15 “neutral” Russian athletes publicly supported the war or had military affiliations.

“Russian sports are not separate from the state... Those who claim that sports should be outside politics must also recognize that Russia uses sports as a political weapon,” stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Ukrainian World Congress condemned the intentions of the International Olympic Committee to reinstate Russia.

The Ukrainian World Congress expressed outrage at the new IOC president Coventry's intentions to discuss Russia's return to the Olympics.

Previously, the human rights organization Global Rights Compliance accused the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of negligence after 17 Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under a neutral flag expressed support for Russian aggression, which is prohibited by the rules.

Global Rights Compliance noted that these athletes are violating rules that prohibit public expressions of support for the war in Ukraine, despite the IOC having thoroughly vetted all participants.