“There can be no neutrality”: Oleksandr Svishchov on boycotting the match with the Russians

The World Aquatics Men’s Water Polo World Cup 2026, Division 2 tournament in Malta has created a high-profile situation. According to the schedule, on April 13, the national teams of Ukraine and Russia, which plays under the name Neutral Athlete B, were to meet in the match for seventh place.

The President of the Ukrainian Water Polo Federation, Oleksandr Svishchov, said that the Ukrainian team would not participate in the match. He has repeatedly emphasized that participation of representatives of the aggressor country in international competitions is unacceptable.

His position remains unchanged: he considers the admission of “neutral” athletes to be “a cynical disregard for the memory of the victims of the war.” This decision was supported by both the players and the coaching staff.

Oleksandr Svishchov noted: “Every time we are offered a “sporting rivalry” with the Russians, I and our entire sports community remember the numerous victims and misfortunes that our people and state have suffered, the thousands of towns and villages destroyed, the wanderings of millions of our compatriots, the terrible grief inflicted on our country!”
He added: “So, Ukraine will not play with those who destroy our lives and our future. Our only possible way is complete isolation of the aggressor until justice is restored.”

He also emphasized:

“Sport is a struggle of characters, but not at the cost of betraying principles. For us, a technical defeat in the official protocol is a much more significant victory than going on the same water as representatives of the aggressor country. The dignity of the nation is higher than any tournament result.”

“We cannot shake hands with those whose country is trying to destroy ours every day. A moral defeat in front of our own people is the only loss we really fear. There can be no neutrality between the aggressor and the victim,” Svishchov emphasized.

He also called the decision of World Aquatics to allow Russians to participate in the Games in 2026 “immoral” and called on Ukrainian and international institutions to respond actively.

“Today, Ukrainian sport is also a frontline. We choose to remain loyal to our country, not to rules that ignore the reality of war. The aggressor has no place in civilized sport,” he concluded.

The Ukrainian side is currently awaiting the final decision of the organizers. The position of the Ukrainian Olympic Committee remains principled: humanity and Olympic values are more important than sports results.