robert błoński

Finland and Norway have banned Russian athletes from entering their countries for the duration of Russia’s war against Ukraine, DW reports. 👍👍👍 The governments in Helsinki and Oslo have announced restrictions on issuing the relevant visas. “As long as Russia’s war of aggression continues, there is no place for Russian athletes in Finland,” Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said on November 12. A resolution by the Finnish authorities states that the entry of Russian citizens poses a “threat to Finland’s international relations.” The new restrictions will also apply to applicants seeking short-term work visas, including those working in professional sports. Starting November 16, Finnish authorities will take these restrictions into account when reviewing new applications. Russian citizens may also be denied entry to Finland even if they hold a Schengen visa issued by another Schengen Area country. The restrictions also apply to Russian athletes seeking to compete under a neutral status, according to a Finnish government press release. Later that day, Norway announced similar measures. “The government aims to prevent the entry of professional athletes and their support staff from these countries for as long as the war in Ukraine continues. “Russian professional sports are closely linked to the Russian authorities and state structures. Therefore, the government believes that Russia’s participation in international sporting events cannot be viewed separately from the aggressive war that Russia continues to wage against Ukraine,” the Norwegian government stated. The relevant changes are expected to come into effect “soon.” According to the SID news agency, the new restrictions imposed by Finland and Norway will affect Russian athletes planning to compete in several upcoming events: the opening stage of the Ski Jumping World Cup in Lillehammer, Norway, on November 20–22; the Nordic World Cup events in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 27–29; and the World Cross-Country Skiing Championships in Trondheim in December. The measures will also apply to the World Figure Skating Championships, scheduled to take place in Tampere from March 16 to 21, 2027. United24