World Aquatics Lifts Russia Ban: Ukrainian Athletes Slam Decision as ‘Disgraceful’

World Aquatics, the governing body for swimming, diving, and water polo, has cleared Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags and anthems—a major policy reversal that puts the organization at odds with continued international pressure to isolate Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The decision, announced by World Aquatics president Husain al-Musallam, marks the first time since the war began that Russian competitors can participate in the sport’s global events without the neutral status restrictions imposed three years ago. The move mirrors similar steps taken by judo’s governing body and adds momentum to Russia’s campaign for full reinstatement ahead of the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.

The reaction from Kyiv was swift and blunt. Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton racer who became internationally known after being barred from competition for wearing a commemorative helmet in honor of his country’s war dead, called the decision “unacceptable and disgraceful.”

“World Aquatics claims it can keep the conflict away from pools and competition venues,” Heraskevych told the Guardian. “But of course, this does not apply to Ukrainian sports facilities and pools, which are constantly being struck by Russian missiles. It does not apply to Ukrainian athletes, who are also dying in the war unleashed by Russia.”

Heraskevych further pointed to the case of Olympic swimmer Evgeny Rylov, who appeared alongside Vladimir Putin at a 2022 rally at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium wearing a pro-war ‘Z’ symbol. “World Aquatics is trying to act as though none of this exists,” he said. “With this decision to restore Russian flags and anthem, they are providing their competition platforms for the spread of Russian propaganda—propaganda that is killing us, Ukrainians.”

Russia’s response was markedly different. Dmitry Mazepin, head of the Russian Aquatics Federation, welcomed the ruling and suggested the prior neutral-status requirement had been an insult to athletes. He also noted that Russian organizers had been granted permission to host world and European aquatics events.

The timing of the announcement coincided with Ukraine’s water polo team boycotting a World Cup match against a Russian side competing under neutral designation—marking the first Russian team participation in an international team sport since the 2022 invasion.

The International Olympic Committee is now under increased scrutiny. In December, the IOC recommended easing restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes at youth events and allowing national flag representation, though it required neutral status at the most recent Winter Games. The Paralympic Committee took a harder line, permitting Russians to compete under their own flag in March.

For Ukrainian athletes like Heraskevych, the decision represents more than a governance technicality—it is a betrayal of the values international sports bodies claim to uphold. “This is unacceptable and disgraceful,” he said, leaving little ambiguity about where the burden of this decision ultimately falls.

The sport world now watches to see whether other Olympic sports follow World Aquatics’ lead, potentially reshaping the landscape of international competition heading toward 2028.