World Aquatics has become the first major Olympic sport to fully reinstate Russian and Belarusian athletes since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Ukrainian officials have condemned the move, while Ukraine’s water polo team forfeited a World Cup match against Russian athletes in Malta in protest.
What happened
On Monday, the governing body for swimming, diving and water polo decided to allow both nations to compete under their national flags and anthems. Both countries also resume full membership rights, meaning they can host world and European events.
The organisation had initially banned both nations from its events after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, before allowing limited participation as neutrals a year later.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam said: “We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition.”
Context
The move adds momentum to Russia's push for a full return ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Judo and taekwondo have already reinstated Russian athletes, and the International Paralympic Committee allowed Russian flags and anthems at the Winter Paralympics in March.
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The International Olympic Committee still requires Russian athletes to compete as neutrals at senior events, though it recommended easing restrictions for youth competitions in December.
Response
Ukraine's water polo team forfeited a World Cup match against a Russian team in Malta on the same day.
Ukraine's Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi responded to the decision by saying: "Sport should unite around fair rules and respect for life. Returning the flag to a country that disregards and systematically destroys these rules is a wake-up call for the entire sports community."
Meanwhile, Russia welcomed the move.
Dmitry Mazepin, head of the Russian Aquatics Federation, said that having athletes competing as neutrals without the Russian anthem had been "an insult".
