Eu Day Light

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed opposition to the IIHF's inclusion of Russia in the updated schedule of the 2027 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.

In a statement posted on social media, Sybiha accused sports officials who decide to readmit Russia to international sporting competitions of being complicit in Russia's war crimes and helping to whitewash those crimes.

Sybiha said the IIHF's decision to include Russia in the tournament schedule in place of Norway raised serious concerns, suggesting that Moscow may have influenced the decision. He stated that Norwegian athletes had earned their places in the tournament through their sporting achievements and criticized the removal of their right to participate in order to make room for Russia.

Expressing Ukraine's solidarity with Norway, Sybiha demanded that the IIHF reverse its decision. He also called for a boycott of Russia's participation in the championship and the withdrawal of international funding provided to the federation.

Sybiha argued that Russia should not participate in international ice hockey competitions as long as its war against Ukraine continues, emphasizing that sport should not be used to legitimize an aggressor state.