Manipulation that «sport is out of politics» can be destroyed by the complete isolation of the aggressor, — Kira Rudik

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has appealed to the parliaments and governments of countries, as well as to international sports federations and the Olympic Committee, urging them to condemn the disqualification of Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan for her refusal to shake hands with a russian athlete. The parliament's decision was highlighted by the leader of the Golos party, an MP of Ukraine, and Vice-President of ALDE, Kira Rudik.

«The mantra of «sports is out of politics» is a primitive manipulation by the aggressor, which can only be destroyed by the total isolation of russia in all spheres. That's why the Verkhovna Rada has appealed to the parliaments of the world with a call to restrict entry for athletes from russia and Belarus.

Furthermore, we have called on the global community to condemn the unlawful disqualification of Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan, who refused to shake hands with russian Anna Smirnova. All those involved in this disqualification must be held accountable, and the russian athlete Smirnova should be disqualified», — the MP emphasized.

At the World Fencing Championship on July 27, 2023, Ukrainian sabre fencer Olga Kharlan, after defeating russian Anna Smirnova, refused to shake her hand. Smirnova was sitting on the manege for an hour, demanding either a handshake or Kharlan's disqualification. Olga Kharlan was subsequently disqualified.