PACE Adopts Resolution to Exclude Russia and Belarus from the Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a resolution condemning Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine with the assistance of the Belarusian regime. The decision was supported by 71 delegates.

PACE recommends that representatives from Russia and Belarus be excluded from the Olympic and Paralympic Games while the war continues. It is noted that the participation of Russians and Belarusians could be used as a tool for propaganda and hinder other athletes, including Ukrainians, from participating in the competitions.

The resolution emphasizes the impossibility of true neutrality for Russian and Belarusian athletes, given their connections to state salaries and military sports teams.