Estonia bans Russian and Belarusian athletes from entering country

Estonia's Culture Ministry has told the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) that Russian and Belarusian athletes are barred from entering the country because of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Source: Estonian public broadcaster ERR, citing a letter by the ministry

Quote: "Estonia condemned Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine immediately, and since the start of the war, the Estonian government, the Ministry of Culture and the Estonian Olympic Committee have agreed that Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams should not be taking part in international sports competitions until the war in Ukraine has ended."

Details: The ministry added that representatives of the aggressor states could use their appearances at international competitions for propaganda aimed at audiences abroad.

"The Estonian government takes the position that competitions involving Russian and Belarusian athletes cannot take place in Estonia.

As Estonia has been at the forefront of providing assistance and support to Ukraine, allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete here would contradict that position and give Russia and Belarus an opportunity to use international media coverage for propaganda purposes."

The Culture Ministry also noted that Russian athletes have been barred from competing in Estonia under national legislation since August 2022.

"On 10 March 2022, the Estonian government stopped issuing tourist visas to Russian and Belarusian citizens.

Since 18 August 2022, Russian citizens holding tourist visas issued by Estonia, including those issued for participation in sporting competitions or cultural events, have been barred from entering the country."

The ministry also called on other organisers of international sporting competitions to condemn Russia's war against Ukraine.

"The Culture Ministry calls on all event organisers to demonstrate their full support for Ukraine and condemn Russia's war of aggression."

This winter, Estonia will host the Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships in Otepää and the Biathlon World Championships at Tehvandi.

Background:

• In September, FIS decided to ease restrictions on athletes competing as neutrals. However, the federation said it is not responsible for countries refusing entry to those athletes.
• Russian five-time Olympic medallist Denis Spitsov has been cleared to compete.
• Norway and Finland have also recently barred Russian and Belarusian athletes from entering.

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