Russia nor their flag have a place at the 2024 Paris Olympics, French President Emmanuel Macron stated late last week. This comes amidst the war currently raging between the former Soviet republic and the sovereign nation of Ukraine, an issue which has many divided – both in the United States and Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrives at the G20 Summit | AFP News Agency
Speaking to French sports newspaper l’Equipe, Macron stated that he didn’t approve of any Russian involvement, but did say that special consideration could be made for those who are victims of Vladimir Putin’s regime. Otherwise, he’s holding firm on his stance against the European Super Power.
“Obviously, there can’t be a Russian flag at the Paris Olympic Games. Because Russia as a country has no place [at the Games] when it has committed war crimes and deported children,” Macron said Wednesday.
“The real question that the Olympic world will have to decide is what place to give to these Russian athletes, who have sometimes prepared for a lifetime [for the Games], and may also be victims of this regime.”
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Macron also stated that Ukraine should be part of the dialogue and decisions regarding their outside aggressors. However, the French president acquiesced that te decision would ultimately be made by the International Olympic Committee.
As of now, the IOC has not made a ruling regarding Russia and its athletes regarding the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, with the new year looming and the games soon to be upon us, it’s likely one will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. At the same time, Ukraine has drawn a line in the sand and made it clear that they will not participate at all if Russia is involved in the quadrennial event.
“We are ready to boycott the Olympic Games in Paris if the Russian Federation and Belarus are allowed to participate in the competition,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has previously stated. “We expect the IOC to make the right decision and resolutely remove the aggressor from the Olympics.”
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