Ukraine calls IWF decision to hold 2030 World Weightlifting Championships in Moscow 'unacceptable'

Kyiv's reaction to the IWF decision

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga on Monday called the decision of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) to hold the 2030 World Championships in Moscow 'unacceptable' According to him, this decision, unprecedented since the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian war, creates a risk that the return of major international competitions to Russia will appear as something permissible. This was reported by Anadolu.

Arguments and call to revoke the decision

On the social network X, Sybiga stated that Russia 'continues to kill Ukrainians, including athletes,' and that granting Moscow the right to host a major international tournament while aggression continues is immoral. He urged the IWF, the International Olympic Committee, and the international sports community to jointly seek a review of the decision, adding that 'as soon as international sport begins to reward aggressors, it loses its moral right to speak about fairness, respect, and integrity.' In his view, the Kremlin must not be allowed to use international sport to gain recognition and legitimacy or return to a 'normal regime' without halting aggression and holding those responsible accountable.

Context: Russia's gradual return to sports

The IWF decision marks another step toward reintegrating Russia into international sports after years of restrictions imposed due to the war in Ukraine. In July, the IOC conditionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, potentially opening the path for Russian athletes to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Moscow last hosted the World Weightlifting Championships in 1983. The source is limited to the Ukrainian side's position; the IWF or Russian authorities' response is not provided in the publication.