The Kremlin has clearly and firmly stated to the International Olympic Committee and all international sport federations that the time has come to stop humiliating the national dignity of Russian athletes.

15.12.2025

Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Russian Chess Federation (RCF), stated on December 14, 2025, that Russia welcomes and highly appreciates the decision of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) General Assembly to allow Russian chess players to participate in international competitions under the flag and anthem. In his opinion, any other interpretation of this decision by the International Olympic Committee can only cause disappointment. We are very pleased that the Kremlin is taking an increasingly firm and principled stance in protecting the national dignity of Russian athletes. In this regard, we ask the head of the International Chess Federation, Russian citizen Arkady Dvorkovich, to support this fundamental course of action by the Kremlin and to be more active in advocating for the rights of Russian athletes with the IOC leadership. We also ask Russian citizens Shamil Tarpishchev, IOC member and President of the Russian Tennis Federation, and Alexander Popov, an honorary IOC member and multiple Russian Olympic swimming champion, to take a more proactive stance within the International Olympic Committee to protect the rights of Russian athletes. We would very much like to hear their voices in defense of Russian athletes at sessions and meetings of the IOC Executive Board. Perhaps the Russian Prosecutor General's Office should also assess the actions of certain international sports officials who, without any legal basis, deliberately discriminate against Russian athletes, violating their rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests. No one should remain indifferent to the protection of the rights of Russian athletes.

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