Following the extensive invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, national teams from Russia and Belarus have been prohibited from participating in international competitions. L. Tardiff, speaking at the Milan and Cortina Winter Olympics backdrop, expressed a hope that athletes from these countries could return to the international sports arena. He emphasized that their return would symbolize a positive shift in the global climate.

Tardiff’s remarks come at a time when the international sports community remains divided over the treatment of Russian and Belarusian athletes. Supporters of their inclusion argue that sports should transcend political issues, while critics believe that allowing these teams back would undermine the reaction to the invasion of Ukraine and diminish the severity of the sanctions put in place.

The discussion surrounding the return of these teams to international competitions raises significant questions about the intersection of sports, politics, and ethics. As global sporting bodies face pressure from various sides, the way forward will likely influence the future of international sports governance and the values it upholds in times of geopolitical crises.