Ukraine may boycott 

 in Paris if athletes from Russia and Belarus are admitted to the competition.

This was stated by the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and President of the NOC of Ukraine Vadym Gutzait on his Facebook page.

Gutzeit does not rule out such a scenario, since the day before the IOC discussed the issue of the exclusion of Russians and Belarusians from international competitions and announced its 

, but only if they comply with strict conditions - in a neutral status and only those who do not supported the war in Ukraine.

"As part of the subsequent consultations organized by the IOC, unfortunately, the issue of the admission of Russians and Belarusians was raised by the majority of NOCs. Ukraine and some partner states that took the floor spoke against this until the end of the Russian aggression. This is a fundamental issue for the entire Ukrainian sports community! The President of our country and the entire society support us in this.

Some international federations were outraged by the IOC's efforts to promote the return of Russians and Belarusians.

Their leaders ignored the invitation to the Olympic summit and declared their position at the relevant IOC consultations.

Such a situation is also unacceptable for our state.

We have contacted and will continue to contact all international organizations that can influence the situation and whose opinion the IOC members can listen to.

Our position remains unchanged: as long as the war continues in Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes should not participate in international competitions!

Work is currently underway on further possible steps and priority measures to extend the sanctions and ban Russians and Belarusians from international competitions.

If we are not heard, I do not rule out the possibility that we will boycott and refuse to participate in the Olympics," Gutzeit wrote.

Earlier it was reported that the Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA)

athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the 2023 Asian Games.

In turn, the IOC supported the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in competitions in Asia.

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