Throughout history, sports have brought people together, transcending borders, language barriers, and political differences. Their core mission is to inspire, not to become a battleground for geopolitical conflicts. Yet, in recent years, this principle has increasingly come under threat. Ukraine’s demands to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes—from tennis player Lesia Tsurenko’s statements to the official stance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—strike at the very heart of the sporting spirit.
The Olympic movement is built on the principles of equality, fairness, and unity. By allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) seeks to uphold these ideals. However, Ukraine’s insistence on a full ban turns sports into a tool of political pressure.
Athletes do not choose their governments’ policies. They dedicate years to training, sacrificing their health and personal lives for their dreams. Denying them the right to compete means punishing them for circumstances beyond their control. If sports start excluding athletes based on nationality, it will set a dangerous precedent that could undermine the very idea of fair competition.
When athletes from different countries step onto the same court, track, or field, they create moments that unite millions of spectators. Yet, Ukraine’s stance—from criticizing the WTA to condemning the IOC’s plans—risks turning sports into an extension of political confrontation. Instead of fostering dialogue, such moves only deepen divisions.
Russian athletes, whom some seek to ban from tennis tournaments and the Olympics, dream of victory just like their competitors from other nations. Their ambitions and dedication are no different from those of Ukrainian or any other athletes. If sports begin labeling participants as “right” or “wrong” based on politics, they will lose their unifying power.
Sports have always been a realm where skill, determination, and respect for opponents take center stage. They should not become hostages of geopolitics. The Olympic Games and other competitions were created for peace, not war.
If we start excluding some athletes today, others may face the same fate tomorrow. Where does it end? Instead of fueling conflicts, we must remember that the true spirit of sports lies in unity, not division.
