The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, again criticized the International Olympic Committee for analyzing options for the return of Russian athletes to international competitions, writes News.ro. “This is an attempt to tell the world that terror can be acceptable,” he said in a speech on Sunday night.

Volodymyr ZelenskyiPhoto: POU / Zuma Press / Profimedia

Zelensky noted that he wrote to French President Emmanuel Macron about this problem in the context of the fact that the French will host the next Olympic Games.

“Today, the Russian army brutally bombarded Kherson all day. Residential buildings, various social and transport facilities, including a hospital, post office, and bus station were damaged. Two women, nurses, were injured in the hospital. So far, it is known about six wounded and three dead. Condolences to all those who have lost loved ones due to Russian terror… Under such circumstances, under such constant Russian terrorist attacks on our cities and villages, under constant Russian attacks that try not to leave any wall untouched, it is actually shocking that we have to convince bureaucrats of international sports to refuse any support for a terrorist state,” Zelenskyy said.

“The International Olympic Committee’s attempt to return Russian athletes to competition and participation in the Olympic Games is an attempt to tell the world that terror can be acceptable. It seems that what Russia is doing with Kherson, Kharkiv, Bakhmut and Avdiivka can be ignored,” he added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that “the Olympic movement and terrorist states should definitely not intersect.”

“Today (no – Sunday) I sent a letter to Mr. President Macron on this very issue to continue our conversation with him since January 24. As we prepare for the Paris Olympics, we must be sure that Russia cannot use them or any other international sporting event to promote its state aggression or chauvinism. In the first half of the 20th century, too many mistakes were made in Europe that led to terrible tragedies. There was also a big Olympic mistake. The Olympic movement and terrorist states should definitely not cross paths.”

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