Moscow:Austrian Figure Skating Federation – Skate Austria – has urged the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international sports events and sports leaders of both countries from their international positions amid the situation in Ukraine. On Monday, the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that international sports federations not allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in competitions. “It is Skate Austria’s opinion that Russian and Belarusian athletes should not participate in international sports events outside Russia and Belarus, and the Russian and Belarusian sports leaders should be suspended from their international positions,” the statement read. The federation added that it “strongly condemns Russia’s violation of international law through its attack on and invasion of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people”. The federation noted that these actions “must be condemned” and sanctions must follow in different spheres including sports. The Skate Austria also said it will not be sending its athletes or officials to events in Russia and Belarus. Earlier on Thursday, Russia launched a special operation in Ukraine responding to calls for help from the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics in countering the aggression of Ukrainian troops. The Russian Defense Ministry said the special operation is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only and the civilian population is not in danger. Since then, hostilities have been taking place in Ukraine, and the West has been increasing sanctions pressure on Moscow. UNI/Sputnik PN
