The Russians did not hold out after Putin's decision
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Michaił Diegtiariew announced the gradual return of Russian athletes to international competitions, claiming to act on presidential instructions. Ukraine and Russian Internet users reacted with irony and anger to these statements.
Why it matters
Michaił Diegtiariew's statement underlines the Kremlin's ambition to reintegrate Russian athletes into the international sporting landscape, despite continuing sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. This desire for a return is seen by some as an attempt by Putin to restore Russia's image on the world stage, using sport as a propaganda tool.
Key points
- The Russians did not hold out after Putin's decision.
- Michaił Diegtiariew announced the gradual return of Russian athletes to international competitions, claiming to act on presidential instructions.
- Rosjanie nie wytrzymali po decyzji Putina. 'Sam stwarza problemy'.
Diegtiariew welcomed the progress made in recent months: the return of Russian athletes in 24 disciplines and the acceptance of juniors in around thirty others. But he also set a broader objective, presented as a presidential instruction. “Our main goal, set by the President of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, is that every athlete can compete abroad in international competitions as a member of the Russian representation, under the Russian flag. And after the victory, let everyone hear the anthem of Russia,” he said, according to MatchTV.
Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has been excluded from most international competitions in many disciplines. The movement began to subside this summer: in July, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic committee, and several federations subsequently authorized the return of Russian athletes to their competitions.
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But the position displayed by the Kremlin remains ambitious and fuels criticism. Diegtiariew's statements were notably mocked by Ukrainian media and Internet users. The website obozrevatel.com relayed mocking reactions and stressed that these remarks had aroused discontent among some Russians themselves.
Among the comments cited were messages discussing the irony of the situation: “Exactly. And we had everything: anthem, flag and victories,” it read, emphasizing that national symbols and successes existed before the sanctions. Another message accused the government: “Well, Mr. Putin seems to create problems himself and then be able to give ambitious orders to solve them. » These criticisms show that even within the Russian public, the official strategy is not unanimous.
The attempt to reintegrate Russian athletes onto the international scene is therefore underway, but it still comes up against resistance and a very sensitive political context. The declarations of the Minister of Sports outline the political objective: a return under the national colors and the listening of the anthem after the successes. It remains to be seen to what extent international federations will agree to follow this logic and how public opinion, in Russia and abroad, will continue to react.
The rest
The negative reactions, both in Ukraine and Russia, could complicate efforts by Diegtiariew and the Kremlin to normalize the participation of Russian athletes. As international sports federations make decisions regarding the inclusion of Russian athletes, the situation may evolve, but political tensions will remain a determining factor.
Frequently asked questions
What happened at the conference in Krasnoyarsk?
Russian Sports Minister Michaił Diegtiariew announced that the authorities are carrying out a diplomatic operation to allow the return of Russian athletes to international competitions.
Who confirmed the diplomatic operation for the return of Russian athletes?
It was the Russian Minister of Sports, Michaił Diegtiariew, who confirmed this operation during the conference.
Why is this diplomatic operation launched now?
The op
ration is launched to allow Russian athletes to return to international competitions after being excluded following the invasion of Ukraine.
What are the advances mentioned by Diegtiariew?
Diegtiariew mentioned the return of Russian athletes in 24 disciplines and the acceptance of juniors in around thirty others.
What changes are expected for Russian athletes?
The goal is for every athlete to be able to compete abroad under the Russian flag and for the Russian anthem to be heard after victories.