The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been accused by a Ukrainian presidential advisor of being a "promoter of war, murder and destruction" following the committee's decision to consider ways for Russian athletes to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games.
Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted Monday that the IOC was offering Russia "a platform to promote genocide & encourages their further killings."
"Obviously [Russian]-money that buys Olympic hypocrisy doesn’t have a smell of [Ukrainian] blood. Right, [IOC president Thomas] Mr. Bach," Podolyak added.
In a statement published Wednesday, the IOC emphasized the body’s "strong commitment to the unifying mission of the Olympic movement" and that "no athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport."
The IOC went on to say that athletes’ participation under strict conditions, for example participating as "neutral athletes" and not representing their state, should be explored.
For context: Last week, the IOC outlined a multi-step plan for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris and the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan. Athletes' rights group Global Athlete and Ukrainian Athletes responded to the move with a joint statement, saying that the IOC's plan to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes only strengthens "Russia's propaganda machine."