European Aquatics president visits Russia and discusses possibility of holding competitions there

António Silva, the president of European Aquatics, the governing body for aquatic sports in Europe, has visited Russia at the invitation of Dmitry Mazepin, head of the Russian Aquatics Federation, and assessed the possibility of holding international competitions there.

Source: Russian propaganda media outlet Match TV

Details: After arriving in the country, the sports official spoke to local journalists. Responding to their questions, Silva said he was pleased that Russian athletes had returned to the international stage.

When asked about when international competitions might once again be held in Russia itself, he said the matter was still under consideration.

"We are in constant contact with the Russian side. And now I have seen how well developed aquatic sports are in your country. We are pleased that Russian athletes have returned to competitions.

Unfortunately, there is currently no exact date set for when international competitions will once again be held in Russia. We are discussing this issue," Silva said.

He said that hosting competitions in Russia involving other countries would require appropriate infrastructure and guarantees for the safety of all participants.

"Organising a high-quality international competition requires a whole range of factors to be taken into account. First and foremost, there must be appropriate infrastructure, a willingness to host the competition, and guarantees for the safety and well-being of all participants.

In addition, it is important that other countries are prepared to travel to wherever the competition is being held.

Following our productive talks with the Russian Aquatics Federation, I can say that when considering future bids to host competitions, we, together with Russia and the regional authorities interested in organising such events, will have to take all these criteria into account," he said.

Meanwhile, Silva stressed that there are currently no countries opposed to Russian athletes participating in international competitions. He reiterated that there were concerns about ensuring safety at such events, mentioning Ukraine in this context.

"As for the second part of the question, there are no countries that oppose the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions.

There are certain concerns related to security arrangements when organising competitions. This is natural, as the actual conditions under which competitions are held need to be taken into account.

And this concerns not only Russia but other countries as well, such as Ukraine. Security issues should be considered in light of the specific circumstances," Silva stressed.

Background:

• In April 2026, World Aquatics, the global governing body for aquatic sports, decided to lift all restrictions on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions.
• However, it later emerged that European Aquatics had asked World Aquatics to postpone lifting the sanctions on athletes from the aggressor countries.
• World Aquatics subsequently issued a ruling stating that organisers of international competitions may not refuse to allow Russian athletes to participate.
• António Silva also visited Kyiv in mid-May this year, where he spoke about plans to hold the European Diving Championships in Ukraine.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon to help us keep reporting!