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Ukrainian athletes to be banned from shaking hands with Russians at Paris Olympics

The Ukrainian National Olympic Committee president said that the proposed recommendations still need to be approved

MOSCOW, April 8. /TASS/. Ukrainian athletes competing at the Paris Olympics will be prohibited from standing next to Russians, shaking hands with them or giving any joint interviews, Ukrainian National Olympic Committee (NOC) President Vadim Gutsayt said, adding that these requirements will be included in the behavior protocol currently being developed by the NOC.

"Do not congratulate each other, of course, do not stand next to each other in photos, do not give joint interviews, of course, do not shake hands," Gutsayt listed, speaking on Ukrainian TV.

The proposed recommendations still need to be approved, he said.

"We are in the middle [of this process]. We will figure out the last remaining matters now, and [the protocol] will be approved," Gutsayt noted.

He added that Ukraine is also discussing these matters with international sports federations so that Ukrainian athletes like fencer Olga Kharlan, who refused to shake hands with her Russian counterpart at the fencing championship, are not shamed later.

The Paris Olympics will take place between July 26 and August 11, 2024. Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete only as neutrals, and only on the condition that they are not affiliated with security agencies and do not represent team sports. The International Olympic Committee will not require them to sign a document condemning the special military operation. Russian and Belarusians will not be allowed to take part in the opening parade of athletes, but they will be allowed to attend the event. Should they win any gold medals, a specially composed music will accompany their awards ceremony.

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