“Unbelievable cynicism” — Zakharova reacted to Paris denial to Russia’s Paralympic athletes — EADaily, August 29, 2024 — Politics, Russia

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called France’s refusal to grant visas to two Russian athletes to participate in the Paris Paralympic Games “incredible cynicism.”

“Incredible cynicism!” Zakharova wrote on her Telegram channel.

As previously reported, the press service of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) reported that the French government refused to issue visas to two Russian athletes to participate in the Paralympic Games in Paris. The RPC noted that such actions are unacceptable for a country that organizes such major sporting events as the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It was emphasized that the Russian side considers the refusal to issue visas to Paralympic athletes – citizens of the Russian Federation – as “another step towards the politicization of sports.”

The Paralympic Games in Paris will be held from 28 August to 8 September. Russian Paralympic athletes will be allowed to participate only in neutral form, will be prohibited from taking part in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paralympic Games, and athletes’ medals will not count towards the overall ranking.