Ukraine minister condemns Motorsport’s decision to lift Russian ban

Ukrainian Minister for Youth and Sports, Matvii Bidnyi, has criticized the decision made by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian competitors in motorsport. The FIA lifted the ban on August 3, following a similar decision by the International Olympic Committee. Bidnyi argued that the reasons for the original ban still apply and that Russia's continuous aggression against Ukraine and Belarus makes the lifting of restrictions inappropriate.

He also criticized the move for weakening international pressure on Russia. Bidnyi highlighted that sports organizations like World Athletics have maintained stricter restrictions on Russian participation and accused Russia of using elite sport for state propaganda. The Ukrainian government has reported the devastating impact of Russia's invasion on the country's sporting community, including the loss of hundreds of athletes and coaches.

The FIA maintains it continues to ban events and competitions in Russia and Belarus while monitoring the situation, but Bidnyi insisted the lifting of restrictions was premature and called for continued international pressure on Russia until the circumstances change.