Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk criticized the IOC for easing Russian Olympic restrictions

Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk has slammed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to ease restrictions on Russian athletes, calling the move “terrible” and insisting it is “very, very far from fair play” as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. Kostyuk made the comments after reaching her first Wimbledon semi-final with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over 2024 second seed Jasmine Paolini.

The 24-year-old, one of Ukraine’s most outspoken athletes since the start of the 2022 war, said she completely disagreed with the IOC’s decision temporarily lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. The move could pave the way for more Russian athletes to return to international competition ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, although individual sports federations will still have the final say on participation.

Kostuk said after her quarter-final victory: “It’s terrible. I think it’s very, very far from fair play for all the countries involved, not just for Ukraine. I don’t agree with this decision 100 percent. But I feel like a lot of people have expressed their opinion on this issue.”

“Of course they don’t agree either. I don’t think anything will change. I just want to go out there and hopefully beat every Russian I play at the Olympics and that’s it,” added Kostyuk.

WAR CONTINUES TO PLAY SHADOW ON WIMBLEDON’S RUN

Kostiuk’s remarks came amid fresh Russian missile attacks on Kiev, including strikes near where her parents live. Admitting that it is becoming increasingly difficult to separate tennis from the reality at home, the Ukrainian said she is constantly monitoring developments despite trying to stay focused during the tournament.

Despite the emotional toll, Kostyuk enjoyed the best Wimbledon campaign of her career. The 12th seed swept Paolini in just 69 minutes, firing 19 winners and not facing a single break point. book a semi-final match against Czech ninth seed Linda Nosková. It is also her second Grand Slam semi-final of the season after reaching the last four at the French Open.

The IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee in 2023 after it recognized sports organizations in occupied Ukrainian territories, a move seen as a violation of the Olympic Charter.

However, this week the IOC temporarily lifted that suspension, while maintaining that the eligibility rules for their sports will be determined by individual governing bodies. The decision drew mixed reactions, with Ukraine strongly opposing the easing of restrictions while Russia welcomed it as a step towards full restoration.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

09 Jul 2026 11:44 IST