Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called France's refusal to issue visas to two Russian athletes to participate in the "incredible cynicism". The Paralympics in Paris.
"Incredible cynicism!" wrote Zakharova in her Telegram channel.
As previously reported, the press service of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) reported that the French government refused to issue visas to two Russian athletes to participate in the Paralympic Games in Paris. The RPC noted that such actions are unacceptable for a country that holds such major sporting events as the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It was emphasized that the Russian side considers the refusal to issue visas to Paralympic athletes - citizens of the Russian Federation as "another step towards the politicization of sport."
The Paralympics in Paris will be held from August 28 to September 8. Russian Paralympians will be allowed to compete only in a neutral status, it is forbidden to participate in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paralympics, and athletes' medals will not be counted in the overall standings.