Three Russian gymnasts denied Dutch visas ahead of world championships over their public support for the invasion of Ukraine

Three Russian artistic gymnasts — Angelina Melnikova, Viktoria Listunova, and Anna Kalmykova — have been denied visas to participate in the upcoming World Championships in Rotterdam. The Russian Gymnastics Federation disclosed the decision on Telegram, citing concerns over the athletes' potential impact on international relations.

Two of the three gymnasts have publicly supported Russian government policies, while the third is believed to have ties to Russia's National Guard, Rosgvardiya, a force directly under President Vladimir Putin's command. The refusals came four days prior to the competition, which will serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Olympics. Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev vowed to appeal to the International Olympic Committee and World Gymnastics to strip the event of its Olympic qualifying status.

Kyiv has accused Melnikova, Listunova, and Kalmykova of supporting Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine or having connections to Russian security forces. In response, Ukraine has urged the Court of Arbitration for Sport to lift the restrictions on Russia's Olympic Committee.