World Climbing granted neutral status to Russian military personnel following a trip to Crimea
The International Federation of Sport Climbing (World Climbing) has recognized a number of Russian athletes as neutral athletes, including members of the Russian Armed Forces and competitors in the occupied Crimea.
The organization’s communications director, Fabrizio Rossini, explained the federation’s position on the eligibility of such athletes.
“The correct answer to your question is: ‘Yes, under certain circumstances and depending on the specific case,’” he noted, responding to a question about whether athletes holding Russian military ranks can receive neutral status.
Among those who received neutral status are representatives of the Russian military club CSKA, including Yelizaveta Ivanova (staff sergeant), Mykola Yarylovets (private), Olena Krasovska (sergeant), Dmytro Fakiryanov (warrant officer), as well as Viktoria Meshkova and Vladyslav Shevchenko.
Another athlete, Milana Melnichenko, previously liked a post on Instagram featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the same time, World Climbing rules prohibit neutral athletes from having ties to Russian military structures.
Additionally, Fakiryanov, Meshkova, and Shevchenko participated in the “Crimean Rocks 2022” tournament, which took place in the occupied Bakhchysarai district. According to reports, the Russian athletes entered Crimea without undergoing customs and border control in accordance with Ukrainian law.
As a reminder, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has admitted nine athletes from Russia to the 2026 Winter Olympics under neutral status.
Russian athletes will not participate in the opening ceremony of the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy.
Earlier, the organizers of the 2026 Olympic Games presented the design of the podium on which athletes will stand during the award ceremonies.
