The European Gymnastics Union (European Gymnastics) has decided to lift all restrictions on the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in its competitions. The relevant resolution was adopted by the executive committee of the organization on May 24.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Prerequisites for the admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus
Previously, a similar decision regarding the admission of Russian gymnasts to international tournaments with national symbols was made by the executive committee of World Gymnastics. This created the basis for the return of representatives from Russia and Belarus to European competitions.
On May 27, the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship will start in Bulgaria, where athletes from Russia have been granted the right to compete.
Ukraine’s position and IOC recommendations
The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) previously recommended lifting restrictions for Belarusian athletes and teams on participation in international competitions organized by world federations and sports event organizers. Such restrictions had been in place since February 28, 2022, and March 28, 2023, due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which was actively supported by the Belarusian authorities. According to the IOC’s decision on May 7, 2026, these restrictions were lifted.
The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine has strongly opposed the IOC’s decision, emphasizing that Belarus continues to support Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.
The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine stated a “categorical protest” against the IOC’s decision. The NOC of Ukraine emphasizes that Belarus continues to support Russian aggression against Ukraine.