Oleksandr Svishchov: World Aquatics’ decision to allow Russian water polo players is a blow to justice

The official decision of the World Aquatics Federation to allow so-called “neutral athletes” from Russia to participate in all water polo competitions from January 1, 2026, has drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine. The President of the Ukrainian Water Polo Federation , Oleksandr Svishchov, gave a harsh assessment of this step.

“We are shocked and appalled by the decision of World Aquatics to allow so-called “neutral athletes” from the aggressor country to participate in water polo competitions. This is not just a blow to the principles of justice and sports ethics – it is a cynical disregard for common sense and the memory of war victims,” said Oleksandr Svishchov.

He emphasized that this decision, made against the backdrop of a full-scale war, is immoral. Svishchov mentioned the dead Ukrainian water polo players, the destroyed swimming pool in Mariupol and damaged sports facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv.

“Such a decision is the actual legalization of the return of Russian sports, bypassing justice, under the guise of false ‘neutrality,'” the Federation’s president emphasized.

Oleksandr Svishchov also called on the international community and all honest athletes to oppose this decision, stating that “there can be no neutrality between the aggressor and the victim.”

According to him, the Water Polo Federation of Ukraine is preparing official appeals to all relevant international bodies demanding the immediate reversal of this shameful decision.