MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. An issue of extending the current suspension of Russia from international tournaments may be raised at the Congress of the 2022 International Skating Federation (ISU) on June 7, a source close to the situation told TASS on Monday.

"An issue regarding the suspension of Russian athletes from international tournaments is planned to be raised on June 7, but it will all depend on the course of the Congress’ developments. Participating delegates are supposedly set to confirm the ISU communique," the source added.

Earlier in the day, ISU delegates rejected a proposal of the Ukrainian side suspend delegations representing the Russian and Belarusian federations from the ISU Congress, which kicked off on Monday and envisages the federation’s elections within its framework.

The 58th ISU Ordinary Congress is taking place in Phuket, Thailand, between June 6 and 10, 2022. According to the ISU, "In 2022 almost 250 proposals will be discussed and voted by the Congress. Additionally, elections for ISU Office Holders positions will take place."

Sanctions against Russian sport

On March 1, the International Skating Union announced a decision to provisionally suspend all athletes from Russia and Belarus. The suspension was enforced in regard to figure skating, speed skating and short-track speed skating competitions. Russia was scheduled to host 2022 ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix on November 25-27.

In late April, the Council of the International Skating Union (ISU) canceled Russia’s stage of the 2022/2023 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series.

The ISU also confirmed in its statement at the time that "Until further notice no Skaters belonging to the ISU Members in Russia (Russian Skating Union and the Figure Skating Federation of Russia) and Belarus (Skating Union of Belarus) shall be invited or allowed to participate in International Competitions, including ISU Championships and other ISU Events."

On February 28, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued recommendations to international sports federations to bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from taking part in international tournaments referring to a special military operation in Ukraine.

Following the IOC recommendations in late February, the majority of global sports federations decided to bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from all international sports tournaments.