The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine has appealed to the Dakar 2026 organising committee and international federations to protect Ukrainian athletes

In its statements, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine emphasises the need to ensure safe conditions for the Ukrainian national team’s participation in the Youth Olympic Games, given the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and its consequences for athletes and sports infrastructure.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has lost more than 600 athletes and coaches, and over 700 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed as a result of Russian attacks. Despite this, Ukrainian sport continues to develop, and the NOC of Ukraine, in collaboration with sports federations, is working to ensure the participation of Ukrainian athletes in international competitions.

The appeal pays particular attention to situations that may arise during medal ceremonies should a Ukrainian athlete find themselves on the same podium as representatives from Russia or Belarus. The NOC of Ukraine requests the introduction of a special protocol that would allow Ukrainian athletes to leave the podium early after receiving their own award.

This mechanism would grant athletes the right not to remain on the podium whilst the flags of the aggressor states are raised and their national anthems are played, and not to take part in joint photo sessions if this conflicts with their moral convictions. The NOC of Ukraine also requests assurances that such actions by Ukrainian athletes will not be regarded as a breach of the regulations and will not result in disciplinary action.

In addition, the Ukrainian side has requested that the particular circumstances of wartime be taken into account during the competitions and that no sanctions be imposed in cases where handshakes, hugs, bows or other traditional gestures of mutual respect between Ukrainian athletes and representatives of aggressor countries, as provided for in the competition rules.

“We are convinced that such a decision will be in line with the fundamental values of Olympism – respect for human dignity, the safety of athletes and an understanding of the realities facing Ukrainian athletes today,” the Ukrainian NOC’s statement reads.

The Ukrainian delegation is preparing to take part in the IV Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, where our team will compete in the sports included in the competition programme. The NOC of Ukraine continues to work with international partners and sports organisations to ensure that young Ukrainian athletes can represent their country with dignity on the world stage.