Sybiga demands revocation of Russia's admission to the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship

Sharp reaction from Ukraine's Foreign Ministry to IIHF decision

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga expressed sharp criticism regarding the decision of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). The head of Ukrainian diplomacy condemned the inclusion of Russia in the updated schedule for the 2027 World Junior Championship in place of Norway.

In his post on the social network X, Sybiga emphasised that such actions by international sports officials, who are returning Russians to competitions, make them accomplices in war crimes. He added that this decision raises serious concerns about potential influence from Moscow.

"A disgrace to the entire sports community"

Ukraine's Foreign Minister noted that Norwegian players had the right to participate in the tournament, which they had earned through their sporting results.

«Позбавлення їх цього місця заради країни, яка веде агресивну війну, є ганьбою для всієї спортивної спільноти», — підкреслив Сибіга. (Depriving them of this spot for the sake of a country waging an aggressive war is a disgrace to the entire sports community," Sybiga emphasised.)

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry demands the revocation of this IIHF decision and states its full support for the Norwegian side.

Call for a boycott and cessation of funding

The Ukrainian side calls for a boycott of Russia's participation in the aforementioned championship. The Foreign Ministry also insists on the cessation of international funding for the federation as a consequence of adopting this decision.

«Лід не повинен стати платформою для Росії, щоб розбити лід із цивілізованим світом», — додав міністр. (Ice should not become a platform for Russia to break the ice with the civilised world," the minister added.)

Sybiga emphasised that sport should never be used to legitimise an aggressor. According to him, Russia must remain outside competitions until the full cessation of its war against Ukraine.