America News Agency

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed his gratitude to Estonia for its decision to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in competitions held on its territory.

Commenting on Estonia's decision, Sybiha stated that Ukraine opposes the normalization of Russian and Belarusian athletes' participation in international competitions while Russia's attacks against Ukraine continue.

Emphasizing that readmitting Russian athletes to international sporting events is a political choice, Sybiha said, "International sport must never become a platform to legitimize aggression, spread Russian propaganda, or normalize Russia's participation while Russian missiles and drones continue to kill Ukrainians."

Sybiha noted that Estonia has demonstrated its solidarity with Ukraine through concrete decisions and expressed hope that other countries would take similar steps to prevent the normalization of Russian athletes' participation in international sporting events.

Sybiha thanked Estonia for its support for Ukraine and its consistent stance.