Russia has killed 591 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, with 22 held in captivity – FM
This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the social network X, Ukrinform reports.
“As of March 2025, 591 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed by Russia, 22 are in captivity, and 11 are missing. 725 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks, including 17 Olympic, Paralympic and Deaflympic training bases,” the statement said.
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that for decades Russia has used sports for propaganda, 10 out of 15 Russian athletes competing under a neutral flag at the 2024 Olympics in Paris either publicly supported the war or were associated with the military.
“Russian sport is not separated from the state - it is one of the tools to justify and incite aggression. Those who say that sport should be out of politics should also recognize that Russia uses sport as a political weapon,” the Foreign Ministry emphasized.
While Ukraine is striving for peace, Russia continues to launch missiles and undermine global peace efforts, the foreign ministry noted and warned that there should be no place for Russia in international sports until it stops its atrocities against Ukraine.
As reported, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed hope for Russia's return to international football during the UEFA Congress in the Serbian capital on April 3.
