Minister Andrey Sibiga: "We thank Estonia from the bottom of our hearts for its decisive and principled decision not to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete on its territory while Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine.
Under no circumstances should international sports become a platform for legitimizing aggression, spreading Russian propaganda or normalizing Russia's participation in international competitions while its missiles and drones continue to kill Ukrainians.
The decision to return Russian athletes to international competition is a political choice that has consequences, regardless of how international federations try to present it. We are grateful to the countries that refused to accept such normalization and took decisive steps to prevent it.
Estonia proves once again that solidarity with Ukraine is strengthened by concrete decisions and a clear commitment to principles.
We greatly appreciate Estonia's consistent position and leadership and call on other countries to follow this example and take similar steps to prevent the normalization of Russia's participation in international sports."