**Ukraine Boycotts World Judo Championships Over Belarus’s Participation**
The Ukrainian Judo Federation has made the decision not to participate in the upcoming World Judo Championships in Budapest, set for June. This comes after the International Judo Federation (IJF) allowed Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flag from June 1, 2025.
Belarus, an ally of Russia, has been a target of criticism from Ukraine and other countries due to its close ties with Moscow. While Belarus hasn’t directly participated in the war against Ukraine, it has allowed Russian forces to use its territory as a staging ground for their operations.
Ukraine had repeatedly called for a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, they were eventually allowed to compete under the flag of “individual neutral athletes” in individual disciplines without using any national symbols related to their countries.
**The Decision Contradicts Fundamental Principles**
The Ukrainian Judo Federation has condemned the IJF’s decision, stating that it contradicts the fundamental principles of fairness, responsibility, and solidarity in the global sports movement. The federation believes that allowing athletes from aggressor countries to compete under national symbols is a “blatant disregard for the victims of war and international law.”
**A Symbolic Stand Against War**
The Ukrainian Judo Federation’s decision to boycott the World Judo Championships is a symbolic stand against the use of sport as a platform to promote the interests of aggressor countries. The federation has made it clear that they will not participate in any event that allows athletes from countries that have contributed to the suffering and deaths of innocent people.
**The Human Cost of War**
It’s worth noting that Ukraine has lost many athletes, coaches, and civilians due to Russia’s war. As of March, 591 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed by Russia, with 22 held captive and 11 missing. This human cost is a stark reminder of the consequences of war and the need for nations to take responsibility for their actions.
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