Foto: BB.LV / Валиева
European officials are considering new steps that could complicate Russia's further return to international sports. Options being discussed in Brussels range from visa restrictions for individual athletes to cutting funding for sports federations that allow Russian teams and athletes to compete under national symbols, Politico reported on Thursday, October 15. According to the publication, the relevant proposals are contained in a document from the European External Action Service (EEAS) dated September 16, which journalists have reviewed. Possible measures include maintaining the ban on the Russian flag and anthem at international competitions, limiting EU grants for federations that reinstate Russia, and pressuring sponsors and broadcasters of tournaments that provide a platform for Russian athletes. Additionally, European officials are discussing the possibility of coordinating actions with the UK, Norway, and Switzerland, as well as introducing visa restrictions for athletes competing under the state symbols of the Russian Federation. ## ## EU and Ukraine: The Reintegration of Russian Sports Threatens to Become a Tool of Political Influence The discussions were prompted by Russia's gradual restoration of its positions in global sports against the backdrop of preparations for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. As noted by Politico, one of the most notable examples has been the activities of the International Judo Federation (IJF), which at the end of 2025 became the first among major Olympic federations to return Russian athletes to competitions under the national flag. European and Ukrainian officials fear that further reintegration of Russian sports could be used by Moscow as a tool of political influence and a means of returning to the international arena, despite the ongoing war waged by Russia against Ukraine for the fifth year. ## ## Russia's Return to Global Sports Gains Momentum After the initial wave of suspensions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, several international sports organizations began to gradually ease restrictions. At the same time, discussions intensified regarding the possible participation of Russian athletes in the 2028 Olympics. The head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, had previously expressed support for preventing discrimination against athletes based on nationality. However, no final decisions have yet been made regarding the use of the Russian flag and anthem at future Olympics. In Kyiv, there has been consistent criticism of the decisions made by international federations that are reinstating Russian athletes and national symbols, stating that such steps contribute to the normalization of Russian aggression and are used by the Kremlin for propaganda purposes. Against this backdrop, calls within the EU have also intensified to prevent Russia's full restoration in global sports until the war has completely ended.
