Ukraine has doubts about participating in the Olympics after allowing Russians to participate | the Olympics

“The decision to participate must be made based on what it brings to our country, what the response will be and how close it will bring us to victory,” Bednyy said, referring to Ukraine’s 21-month war with Russia. “We must not make hasty decisions. It will be a carefully considered decision that we must convey to the public. We will weigh the pros and cons very carefully.”

Russia and Belarus were banned from participating in sporting competitions for a long time after the outbreak of war, but the International Olympic Committee decided on Friday that individual athletes were welcome to the games, provided they fly under a neutral flag and under a number of conditions. Teams from both countries are not allowed to participate.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kulyba earlier described the decision as “shameful.”

Bednyy said Ukraine could seek to participate if leaders conclude that doing so would “strengthen our position in the world.” But according to the Sports Minister, participation if the IOC allows “the participation of accomplices of the bloody (Russian) regime” is impossible.