International sports organizations have allowed Ukrainian athletes to break a long-standing tradition.
Ukrainians will not shake hands with Russians who have been allowed to compete at the Olympics in Paris.
Meetings between Russian and Ukrainian athletes on the international sports arena have repeatedly attracted public attention due to situations involving handshakes.
Fifteen Russians were allowed to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games. Against this background, the Ukrainian side contacted international sports officials and received official permission regarding the old tradition.
Ukrainians have been allowed not to shake hands with Russians before or after competitions, RIA Novosti reports. Kiev says it specifically raised the issue to protect its athletes from provocations.
Tatyana Tarasova commented on the situation. The Honored Trainer of the USSR emphasized that Russian athletes "don't care whether Ukrainians greet them or not."
The Paris Olympics begin next Friday, July 26.
