Russian Sports Minister details Putin-ordered diplomatic offensive

Russian Sports Minister and President of the Russian Olympic Committee, Mikhail Diegtiaryev, has confirmed that the country is conducting a diplomatic operation ordered by Vladimir Putin to reintegrate Russian athletes into international competitions.

Speaking at a conference in Krasnoyarsk, Diegtiaryev stated that the primary goal is to ensure Russian athletes can compete abroad as members of the Russian national team, under the Russian flag, and with the national anthem played upon victory. He noted that the operation has already resulted in the return of Russian athletes to 24 sporting disciplines and the inclusion of juniors in 30 more.

This follows the International Olympic Committee's decision in July to lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, a move that has prompted various federations to loosen restrictions on Russian participants in sports such as volleyball, skiing, and auto racing.