Finland blocks visas for Russian athletes ahead of World Figure Skating Championships

Finland has tightened visa rules for Russian citizens, including professional athletes, through amendments adopted by the government on November 12. According to Meduza (English), the new restrictions take effect on November 16 and narrow an existing exception that allowed Russian athletes to enter for work trips lasting up to 90 days.

Moving forward, such visas will only be issued if the work is deemed necessary for Finland’s national interests. Yle reported that the restrictions will also apply to Russian athletes competing under neutral status, and that Finland does not plan to stop issuing all visas to Russians.

Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that the restrictions are intended to protect Finland’s international relations, noting that Russia uses sport as a propaganda tool for its war of aggression, Meduza (English) reported. Le Monde English noted that the foreign ministry believes allowing Russian athletes to enter the territory, specifically regarding the World Figure Skating Championships in March 2027, would pose a threat to Finland's international relations.

Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports Matviy Bidny expressed gratitude for the decision on Facebook, noting its relevance ahead of the Cross-Country Skiing World Cup in late November, according to Interfax-Ukraine. Bidny stated he plans to raise the issue of barring Russian and Belarusian athletes and their national symbols at a meeting of EU sports ministers in Brussels to advocate for a coordinated European policy.

Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, Interfax-Ukraine, New Voice of Ukraine, Meduza (English) — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.