Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina has strongly criticised the International Olympic Committee after it relaxed restrictions on Belarusian athletes competing in international events under their national flag. The Ukrainian tennis star said it was “painful” to see Belarus athletes being welcomed back while the war in Ukraine continues unabated.
The IOC had initially recommended a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Belarus serving as a staging ground for the offensive. However, last week the IOC announced that it no longer recommended restrictions on Belarusian athletes and teams participating in events organised by international federations.
The decision effectively clears the path for Belarus athletes to compete under their own flag and anthem ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Svitolina, one of the most vocal Ukrainian athletes since the outbreak of the war, expressed disappointment over the timing of the move.
‘SAD AND PAINFUL’
“Rockets are still going to Ukraine. Those two countries are still considered aggressors,” Svitolina told reporters at the Italian Open in Rome.
“For us it’s very sad and very painful to see this even considered, they’re talking about it. It’s a very heavy topic. I have a lot to say. I think now isn’t the best time. I’m definitely not supporting the talks,” Svitolina added.
Since 2022, Svitolina has consistently refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players after matches in protest against the war.
The decision has also sparked debate across the sporting world. Belarusian World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka recently welcomed the prospect of athletes competing again under their national identity, saying she hoped tennis authorities would “give us our flag back.”
Meanwhile, several sporting bodies remain unconvinced by the IOC’s latest stance. World Athletics has already rejected the IOC’s recommendation and confirmed that Belarusian and Russian athletes will remain banned from its events until there is tangible progress toward peace. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) also announced that Russian and Belarusian players will continue to compete as neutral athletes.
The IOC, however, defended its move by arguing that athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments. The organisation said Belarus’s Olympic committee was in good standing and compliant with the Olympic Charter, unlike Russia, whose Olympic committee remains suspended amid anti-doping investigations and issues relating to occupied Ukrainian territories.
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