Finland, Norway Move to Ban Russian Athletes Over Ukraine War
Finland and Norway announced new restrictions Thursday, Nov. 12, aimed at preventing Russian athletes from competing in international sporting events on their territory while Moscow continues its war against Ukraine. Norway’s measures also target Belarusian professional athletes and support staff. The decisions could affect major skiing and figure skating competitions despite international sports…
Finland and Norway have announced plans to block Russian athletes from competing in international sports events on their soil, following Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. The measures, which will take effect on November 16, include tighter visa and entry restrictions for Russian athletes, even those competing under neutral status.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that Russian athletes have no place in Finland as long as Russia's war of aggression continues. Norway followed suit, denying entry to Russian and Belarusian professional athletes and their support staff. The restrictions aim to prevent Russia from using sports as a tool for propaganda and to protect Finland's international relations.
The measure also applies to athletes competing without Russian national symbols, closing a route previously used for participation under neutral status. The decision has raised questions about the upcoming Figure Skating World Championships in Tampere in March 2027 and cross-country skiing competitions in Finland. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed the move and urged other European countries to strengthen pressure on Russia.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
