Olympic champion Dmitry Vasiliev believes that IBU members are afraid to defend Russia

Two-time Olympic champion Dmitry Vasilyev believes that members of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) are afraid to speak out in defense of Russian athletes because of the possible negative consequences.

On Tuesday, the IBU executive committee recommended to Congress to extend the suspension of the membership of the Russian Biathlon Union (RBU) and the suspension of Russian athletes due to the situation in Ukraine. The Board believes that the lifting of sanctions is possible if the organization demonstrates a commitment to support and promote the goals and principles of the IBU, in particular, distances itself from the conflict in Ukraine.

“In principle, they cannot have their own point of view, let alone express it. This is fraught with repercussions for them. And in the spirit of the most difficult times of the Soviet period, when dissent was punished very harshly. They, unfortunately, do not know how to learn from history and step on the same rake that our people had to go through, even though they position themselves as a democratic society.

There is no freedom of speech. Even those people in the international federation who really think differently (and there are many of them) cannot speak out openly and, at best, are silent, and at worst, they are obliged to speak out against Russia. Therefore, it is not necessary to count on something positive. But such is the situation now. All this foam will come off after a while. It will end with the inhabitants of Western states taking to the streets and saying: “Enough! We need to negotiate with Russia!” Only at this moment will the whole saga with sports end, ”RT Vasilyev quotes.

On March 2, the IBU suspended Russians and Belarusians from participating in competitions under the auspices of the organization. On March 29, the IBU suspended the membership of the RBU.