Ukrainian Gymnasts Protest Against Restoration of Russian and Belarusian Anthems at Varna Europeans

At the Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships held in Varna, Bulgaria (27–31 May), Russian and Belarusian athletes competed with their national flags and anthems for the first time since 2021. Ukrainian gymnasts protested against this decision. The International Gymnastics Federation lifted restrictions in mid-May.

The Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships held in the Bulgarian resort town of Varna brought a sharp political dimension to the fore when Russian and Belarusian athletes performed with their national flags and anthems for the first time since 2021. The competition took place from 27–31 May and marked a significant turning point in the international gymnastics calendar.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) decided in mid-May to lift restrictions that had been imposed on Russian and Belarusian athletes following Russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The decision immediately provoked a sharp reaction from the Ukrainian delegation, whose athletes publicly expressed their opposition to Russian and Belarusian anthems being played at the competition venue.

The Ukrainian gymnasts' protest raised a critical question about the limits of sporting neutrality at a time when Russia continues military operations on Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian sports circles have repeatedly emphasised that the reintegration of Russian and Belarusian athletes into international competitions with national symbols provides a propaganda advantage to countries whose actions violate international law.

The Varna Europeans case adds to a long list of disputes concerning the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions since 2022. Different sports federations have taken varying positions on the issue — some have maintained strict bans, while others have begun to ease the restrictions.