Following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian sportspersons received a ban from participating in different sports. However, the IOC later lifted the ban, and the athletes competed under a neutral flag, at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

But with the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, 35 countries have yet again demanded a ban on the participation of Russia and Belarus in the competition.

Will Russia and Belarus participate in the Olympics?

According to a Reuters report, 35 countries, including Ukraine, USA, UK, and others, discussed the uncertainty about the Russia-Ukraine conflict ahead of the Paris Olympics in an online meeting. The meeting and its agenda have caused a troublesome situation for the International Olympic Committee. As the IOC hoped the effects of the ongoing events in Ukraine did not affect the sporting community.

However, during the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, “Terror and Olympism are two opposites, they cannot be combined.” Lee Satterfield, Assistant Secretary of State who leads the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, also participated in the meeting as a representative of his country.

After the online discussion, a USA spokesperson stated, “We will continue to consult with our independent National Olympic Committee – the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee – on next steps, and look forward to greater clarity by the IOC on their proposed policy toward Russia and Belarus.”

Read More: The Ban on Athletes From Russia Could Forever Change The World of Figure Skating- Here’s How

However, British sports minister Lucy Frazer was clear about her stand against Russia’s participation and shared her thoughts on Twitter. She tweeted, “I the UK’s position very clear: As long as Putin continues his barbaric war, Russia and Belarus must not be represented at the Olympics.”

But neither Russia nor the IOC has commented on the online meeting and the demand raised by these 35 countries. But with this move, the IOC is likely to make a decision before the beginning of the 2024 Olympics.

Earlier, when certain sporting bodies had Russian players participate under a neutral flag, at times it also received some backlash from the people.

Watch This Story: Formula One takes a clear stand on Russia amidst Ukraine invasion

Since the situation in Ukraine still remains worrisome, many countries have again demanded a ban. Hence, Russia and Belarus’ participation in the future Olympics remains uncertain. Everyone now awaits a statement from the IOC and its opinion regarding the same.