Ministry of Education, Science and Sport: the International Olympic Committee’s decision serves as a concession to aggressors
The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport expresses its deep disappointment with the International Olympic Committee’s decision to allow Belarusian athletes to use their national symbols in international sports competitions.
“This decision is a concession to the supporters of the aggressors and is unacceptable as the brutal war against Ukraine continues, its sporting infrastructure is being destroyed, people, including athletes, are being killed, and sport remains one of the main propaganda tools for Russia and Belarus.
We support the stance of principle of the National Olympic Committee of Lithuania and its call to international organisations not to lose their core values.
At the same time, we call on national sports federations, acting individually or in coalitions of like-minded partners in other countries, to make a strong and clear statement in their international organisations in support of Ukraine,” said Raminta Popovienė, Minister of Education, Science and Sport.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport has maintained a consistent position and has no plans to change the conditions for international competitions in Lithuania. National sports organisations are urged not to invite or allow the participation of nationals of the aggressor countries, representing their countries, in sports competitions and events in Lithuania. If athletes from these countries were to compete, they would have to sign an official declaration condemning the hostilities unequivocally and expressing support for Ukraine. In addition, Russian and Belarusian athletes would not be allowed to wear or display their country’s flags, symbols or any other distinctive signs at international competitions in Lithuania.
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Last updated: 12-05-2026
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