Despite Russia’s Crimes Against Ukrainian Sports, Our Athletes Demonstrate the Will to Win to the Entire World – Andriy Yermak

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Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, participated via a video call in a ceremony honoring Ukrainian athletes, organized by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

On behalf of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and all of Ukraine, he thanked the French people and President Emmanuel Macron for their unwavering support of our country in its struggle against the aggressor state, Russia.

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Andriy Yermak emphasized that all Ukrainian athletes are heroes, as they prepared for competitions under extremely difficult conditions.

"Despite all of Russia's crimes against Ukrainian sports, our athletes demonstrate to the whole world their will to win. They continued to train even without adequate conditions: under occupation, using homemade weights made of pipes and car wheels, under shelling, and after receiving news about the deaths of their loved ones," said the Head of the Office of the President.

He stressed the importance of not allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in competitions. Andriy Yermak also pointed out that Russia is the only country in the world that has violated the Olympic truce three times: in 2008, 2014, and 2022.

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As a result of Russian aggression, 490 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed, dozens have been injured, and over 30 have been in Russian captivity or remain imprisoned. Furthermore, 520 sports facilities have been damaged, including 15 Olympic, Deaflympic, and Paralympic training bases.

The memory of the deceased Ukrainian athletes was honored with a minute of silence.

"It is important to remember that if not for the resilience and courage of Ukrainians, who stood up to the aggressor, the war would have spread further long ago, and there might not have been any Olympic Games in 2024 at all," said the Head of the Office of the President.

Andriy Yermak thanked the Mayor of Paris for helping to convey the truth about what our athletes have gone through and wished them success.

Anne Hidalgo presented the Ukrainian athletes with the Grand Vermeil Medals for courage and heroism.

"This is the highest honor that Paris, the city of freedom, human rights, and a city that supports you, can bestow. And I do this with pride and great love. It is an honor for us to welcome a delegation of heroes here at the city hall. I want you to know that you are heroes," said the Mayor of the French capital.