In July, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and has withdrawn its recommended restrictions on Russian athletes and teams.

The IOC has also transferred many key decisions to individual international federations. This means that each federation may decide whether Russian athletes can compete under the Russian flag, hear the Russian anthem, wear national colours, or whether international competitions can be organised in Russia. 

This decision is unacceptable while Russia continues its war of aggression, occupies Ukrainian territory and attacks Ukrainian civilians. Russia cannot be treated as a normal member of the international sporting community while its armed forces are killing Ukrainians and destroying their country.

Russian attacks have reached another horrifying record: June 2026 became the deadliest month for civilians since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. At least 16,402 Ukrainian civilians have been confirmed killed, including 802 children. The real number is likely much higher.

Russia must not be allowed to return to the Olympic Games as a state while it continues its aggression and occupation. Restoring its flag, anthem or national teams would help the Russian authorities present themselves as internationally accepted and would contradict the Olympic principles of peace, dignity and respect.

JEF Europe and JEF Ukraine call on the IOC to reconsider this decision and to place justice, accountability and solidarity with Ukraine at the heart of its approach. The Olympic Movement must not contribute to the normalisation of an aggressor state while its war continues.

This statement is based on the following JEF Europe resolutions:

• For a common European Response to the invasion of Ukraine and the future of Ukraine
• Countering Russian interference and aggression: EU policy towards the Russian Federation

 Further inquiries:

• Anna Bilous, President of JEF Ukraine
• Moritz Hergl, President of JEF Europe