Lithuania on Tuesday condemned a decision to allow Russian athletes to return to international competition, saying the move was premature while Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.
Daina Gudzinevičiūtė, president of the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee, criticised the International Olympic Committee Executive Board’s decision to lift its recommendation restricting the participation of Russian athletes in international sporting events.
Gudzinevičiūtė said the decision was poorly timed and reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine.
“The position of the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee remains unchanged. We cannot justify decisions that allow Russian athletes to return to the international sports arena while military aggression continues and Ukraine’s territorial integrity is being violated,” the committee said in a statement.
Gudzinevičiūtė discussed the issue on Tuesday with Vadym Guttsait, president of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.
