In a major blow to Russia, the International Skating Union has barred Russian ice skaters and athletes from all international events and competitions in order to punish Russia for its illegal invasion of Ukraine. The ban would keep Russian athletes from performing at the world championships in three weeks.
No athletes from Russia or Belarus, a Russian ally, “shall be invited or allowed to participate” in events until further notice, the ISU said, announcing a move that comes a day after similar sanctions were placed on soccer and hockey and after the International Olympic Committee recommended barring Russian athletes from sporting events.
“The ISU Council reiterates its solidarity with all those affected by the conflict in Ukraine and our thoughts are with the entire Ukrainian people and country,” it said.
World Athletics, which governs track and field, cross-country running, race walking, mountain running and ultra running, imposed sanctions Tuesday, with its council announcing that “all athletes, support personnel and officials from Russia and Belarus will be excluded from all World Athletics Series events for the foreseeable future, with immediate effect.”
