Ukraine/one year of war: "We feel deeply for the Ukrainian people" (IOC)

"24/02/2023 marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine with the support of Belarus: one year of brutal warfare, human suffering, killing and destruction. We feel deeply for the Ukrainian people during this cruel war, whose pain and suffering are beyond imagination," wrote the IOC in a statement published on 22/02/2023.

"On this grim anniversary, the Olympic Movement joins calls for peace and stands ready to make its modest contribution to any peace-building efforts," added the International Olympic Committee.

Sanctions against Russia and Belarus on the one hand, and solidarity with Ukraine on the other: while the IOC reaffirms these two principles, it is careful not to clarify its position on the possible participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes as "neutral athletes" at the next Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024.

"UN experts commended the International Olympic Committee for considering allowing individual athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in international sports competitions as neutral athletes," said the IOC on 02/02/2023, the day after a statement…