Ukrainian champion, because of the Russian, who left the pedestal at the World Cup 2025: “We are against shameful decisions”

The Ukrainian fencer Vlad Kharkov spoke out about the participation of Russian athletes in neutral status at the 2025 fencing championship in Georgia. On July 23, Kharkova won gold in an individual shit, and at the award ceremony left the pedestal because of the Russian athlete Kirill Borodachev, who took silver in the Rapier. Russians were allowed. Did this directly affect you and what is your position regarding this decision of the international fencing Federation? ” -They asked Kharkova in an interview for the Ukrainian site Tribuna. 28-year-old athlete answered as follows: “This was not a surprise for us, because even at the last World Cup they had already begun to be allowed and they had already fenced in the team. We did a great job on ourselves over this year, so that this would not mentally shake us. Because, of course, this has a great influence on us. Indeed, it is very difficult to turn off all the emotions when you just stand nearby. This affects, but we understand that it motivates us even more – to glorify our country, raise the flag of Ukraine, sing a hymn. And also clearly and loudly to the whole world to remind and tell what is happening in Ukraine, that the military conflict (the formulation has been changed to the “military conflict” in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation. – Sport24) continues and how important it is to have a clear position on this subject. Nash the position is very clear – we, of course, are against these shameful decisions. We try to change this with all possible methods: we collect signatures, write letters and complaints, communicate with the media and other athletes, make posters, we say. But, unfortunately, there is what we have. However, we still continue to wage our struggle and show the world that we are an unbending nation. ”Last week, it was reported that 447 foreign athletes signed a letter against Russians before the World Cup 2025, and the Ukrainian fencer on sabers Olga Harlan, who is a two-time Olympic champion (2008, 2024). Kharkov is on the list of those who signed this letter.