Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation Calls for Emergency World Gymnastics Congress

The Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation has called for an extraordinary World Gymnastics Congress after World Gymnastics lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes. The federation stated the decision contradicts the organization's ethical principles and creates legal contradictions with its own guiding documents.

On May 18, World Gymnastics' Executive Committee voted to lift restrictions that had been in place since 2022. The move permits Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at World Championships and Olympic events with their national flags and anthems.

Restrictions were first imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. From 2022 to 2024, no Russian or Belarusian athletes participated in World Championships or Olympic Games. In 2024, the rules were changed to allow select athletes to compete under neutral criteria.

A Russian gymnast competed as an Individual Neutral Athlete at the 2025 World Championships and won all-around gold. Under the new ruling, athletes from both countries can now use national symbols starting in 2026.

The Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation issued a statement on May 21 criticizing the decision. The federation said the ruling creates an unbearable personal choice for Ukrainian athletes between representing their country and withdrawing due to moral conflict.

The federation also argued that the decision discriminates against Ukrainian gymnasts and contradicts World Gymnastics' anti-discrimination policy. It stated that the Executive Committee exceeded its authority and that the issue should be decided by all member federations.

The Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation is seeking support from other national federations to convene an extraordinary congress. An extraordinary congress can be called by the Executive Committee or by at least one-quarter of member federations. The next scheduled congress is set for October 4-5, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand.