The Russian Federation has been elected to the Management Committee of the UNESCO Fund for the Eradication of Doping in Sport. This was reported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, emphasizing its negative stance on this decision.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukraine’s Position on Russia’s Election
The Ministry explained that the UNESCO Fund was established based on the International Convention against Doping in Sport and is aimed at supporting projects that promote the development of effective anti-doping policies worldwide.
“The Ukrainian delegation, which supported and voted for Estonia’s candidacy in these elections, expressed protest and issued a statement that Ukraine distances itself from this decision.”
The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Victoria Ryasna, emphasized that Russia’s presence in the governing body of the Fund undermines trust in its activities and may affect the effectiveness of the Committee’s future work.
Context and Reaction of the International Community
Ukraine supported Estonia’s candidacy, which, in the opinion of the Ukrainian side, demonstrates a responsible and transparent approach to forming anti-doping policy. The Ministry stressed that Ukraine remains committed to the principles of clean sport, fair play, and the fight against doping, and does not support the presence of representatives from aggressor states or violators of anti-doping rules in international bodies.
The UNESCO Fund for the Eradication of Doping in Sport was established in 2008 to assist the countries participating in the Convention in developing and implementing anti-corruption and anti-doping projects.
It is worth noting that in November 2022, the World Anti-Doping Agency demanded that Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva be found guilty of violating anti-doping rules and be disqualified for four years, with all sports results annulled from the moment of the positive doping test.
In 2024, the International Olympic Committee recommended that athletes refrain from participating in competitions on the territory of the Russian Federation, particularly in the “World Friendship Games,” emphasizing that the Russian government does not adhere to global anti-doping standards and disrespects the integrity of sports competition.