\n<\/p>\n
The ban on Russian and Belarussian competitors taking part in international motorsport events was imposed in February 2022, after Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.<\/p>\n
It was lifted on 3 August this year in a decision by the FIA’s world motorsport council. This followed the International Olympic Association, with which the FIA is affiliated, lifting its own ban.<\/p>\n
Bidnyi pointed out that other sports organisations had not followed this route, including World Athletics.<\/p>\n
“When any federation lifts the ban and makes steps towards the aggressor, the terrorist state, it’s always really, really sad,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It’s a massive disappointment for everyone in Ukraine. And we think it undermines the collective pressure that the international community has been building against the aggressor.<\/p>\n
“Unfortunately, there are a lot of international sports organisations trying to lift bans to release pressure from the aggressor. We can observe it in such a federation as judo, weightlifting, and then a lot of others.<\/p>\n
“But we have strong partners and strong principle international organisations – for example, biathlon or athletics – who understand the responsibility of the international sports community for international order and justice.”<\/p>\n