Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina has sharply criticized the International Olympic Committee after it eased restrictions on Belarusian athletes competing in international events under their national flag. The Ukrainian tennis star said it was “painful” to see Belarusian athletes being welcomed back as the war in Ukraine continues unabated.
The IOC originally recommended banning Russian and Belarusian athletes in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Belarus serving as a base for the offensive. However, last week the IOC announced that it no longer recommends restrictions on Belarusian athletes and teams participating in events organized by international federations.
The decision effectively clears the way for Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flag and anthem ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Svitolina, one of Ukraine’s most vocal athletes since the war broke out, expressed disappointment at the timing of the move.
‘sad and sore’
“Missiles are still aimed at Ukraine. The two countries are still considered aggressors,” Svitolina told reporters at the Italian Open in Rome.
“It’s very sad and very painful for us to see it even being considered, talked about. It’s a very difficult topic. I have a lot to say. I think now is not the best time. I definitely do not support conversations,” Svitolina added.
From 2022 Svitolina consistently refuses to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players after matches to protest the war.
The decision also sparked debate across the sporting world. Belarusian world number one Aryna Sabalenkova recently welcomed the prospect of athletes once again competing under their national identity, saying she hoped tennis authorities would “give us back our flag”.
Meanwhile, several sports organizations remain unconvinced by the IOC’s latest stance. World athletics has already rejected the IOC’s recommendation, confirming that Belarusian and Russian athletes will remain banned from its events until there is tangible progress towards peace. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) also announced it. Russian and Belarusian players will continue to compete as neutral athletes.
But the IOC defended its move by arguing that athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments. The organization said the Belarusian Olympic Committee is in good standing and in compliance with the Olympic Charter, unlike Russia, whose Olympic Committee remains suspended due to anti-doping investigations and issues related to the occupied Ukrainian territories.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
12 May 2026 21:35 IST
