Vladimir Putin criticizes national teams that refuse to play against Russia at the Ice Hockey World Championships

Vladimir Putin criticized on Thursday the countries opposing the return of Russian athletes to international competitions, after several European teams announced they would refuse to face Russia at the Ice Hockey World Championships. The Russian president accused these states of imposing politically, rather than legally, motivated restrictions.

Putin claimed that the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the International Olympic Committee and sports federations had decided in favor of the reintegration of Russian athletes. He described the continued sanctions as “a flagrant violation of the law and court decisions,” without naming the countries concerned.

On October 30, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered Russia’s reinstatement at this season’s Ice Hockey World Championships. The International Ice Hockey Federation regretted the decision after it had banned Russian athletes from participating following the invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022.

Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Czech Republic announced that they would not play against Russia at the tournament scheduled to take place in Germany in May. Canada also said it would not allow Russia and Belarus to participate in the World Junior Championship.

Meanwhile, 13 Russian athletes are taking part in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, held in Senegal until November 13. It is the first Olympic competition since 2022 in which Russian athletes can compete under their own flag, anthem and national colors.