The International Olympic Committee commented on the decision by the International Aquatics Federation to allow Russian athletes to participate in international competitions under their country's flag and to the tune of their national anthem.
The committee statement explained that each international federation has the exclusive right to organize its championships outside the framework of the Olympic Games, and is primarily responsible for determining the rules of participation in them, including the issue of the participation of Russian athletes.
In contrast, the decision sparked angry reactions in Ukraine, where the Ministry of Youth and Sports criticized the return of Russian athletes with their national symbols.
Minister Matvey Bidni considered talk of "neutrality" in light of this move to be "shameful".
The Executive Board of the International Aquatics Federation announced last Monday that athletes from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to participate in its championships with the raising of the flag and the playing of the anthem, following consultations with the Aquatics Integrity Commission and the Athletes' Commission.
