Over 400 Ukrainian athletes killed during Russia's full-scale invasion

He said this during the telethon, commenting on the refusal of the Russians to compete at the Olympics under a neutral flag.

"Now we hear a lot from the other side (Russia - ed.) that they don't want to participate (in the Olympics - ed.) without their flag, that they won't participate, that it's not fair to them. Is it fair to us when there is a full-scale war going on? And is it fair when more than 400 of our athletes have already been killed, and about 500 sports facilities have been partially or completely destroyed? We are losing people... Is it fair to us?" Gutzeit said.

At the same time, Gutzeit is convinced that Ukrainian athletes should participate in the Olympics.

"The Olympic Games are the most powerful, serious and important forum for athletes in the world. Of course, I believe that it is necessary to have our flag there, and it will be there," he said.

• On December 8, the International Olympic Committee allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in the 2024 Games in neutral status. However, they will not be allowed to compete in equestrian events.
• The Ministry of Youth and Sports said that Ukraine is considering a boycott of the Paris Olympics because of the IOC's decision.
• IOC President Thomas Bach said that Russians and Belarusians were allowed to participate in the 2024 Olympics because athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments.