The world of sport appears to be softening the hardline stance it took when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Russian athletes are back competing under their own flag at the Paralympics. Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the international ban on Russian soccer teams “has not achieved anything”. And his counterpart at the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, insists all athletes should be allowed to “compete freely.”
Oleksandr Usyk remains as resolute as ever.
“My opinion has not changed – this should not be happening,” the Ukrainian heavyweight world boxing champion told the Associated Press. “People who support the killing of others, the bombing of civilian cities, hospitals, schools, and everything…