Офіційна заява Федерації бадмінтону України щодо санкцій проти спортсменів з РФ та РБ

Dear Friends,

I appeal to badminton community all over the world. I appeal to people whose main value is peace and equal rights of each person in every country.

Our badminton family stays united by the common values and rule of law. Russian Federation broke all the possible rules and outraged the Olympic values, starting the illegal war in Ukraine.

Is war not only against our country but against all the civilized world. Crime of aggression cannot stay unpunished. This crime against humanity is committed not by one person, but with the active or silent support of all the population of Russia. Also by Olympic athletes. Also by badminton players.

In a last few months, we hear that it is time for a sanctions relief that allow Russian and Belarusian players to participate in the international tournaments. Is it time? Crimes of the aggressor are still committed. Crime against our state borders, crime against the lives of our children, crime against the dignity of our people.

Recently after the announcement of «part mobilization» in Russia, the President of the Russian National Olympic Committee said that Olympic athletes must be honoured to participate in the illegal war in Ukrainian territory. So badminton players that today want to play international tournaments, tomorrow will come to our homes with weapons.

The sanctions must be prolonged, they also have to become stronger. Can the world allow that people who kill people and kids of independent country, come back and play tournaments? I guess the answer is obvious for every human.

Those who speak of neutrality, when human values and peace are under attack, mean something else. They talk about indifference – everyone for themselves. Here is what they say. And this we cannot allow.

I believe we will stay United and Strong together for Peace.

President of Ukrainian Badminton Federation
Oleksii Dniprov