America News Agency

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that nearly 700 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed since Russia began its attacks on Ukraine.

In a social media post, Tsahkna noted that this figure does not include many people fighting on the front lines, training in shelters or whose sports facilities have been damaged by missile and drone strikes.

Noting that Russia is attempting to regain access to international sporting competitions, Tsahkna claimed that Moscow uses sporting events and exhibitions to divert attention from its ongoing attacks in Ukraine.

Emphasizing that sport does not exist in a space separate from politics, Tsahkna called on the international community to oppose Russia's attempts to escape isolation, improve its international image and normalize its aggression.

Tsahkna stated that Estonia fully supports Canada's position against Russia's return to the international ice hockey scene.