The EOC strongly condemns Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The full return of Russia and Belarus to international sport is unacceptable while the aggression against Ukraine continues. The EOC does not accept the normalisation of aggressor states through the use of their flags, anthems or other national symbols. At the same time, the EOC considers it justified for Estonian athletes and teams to participate in international competitions even when Russian or Belarusian athletes are competing.
“We cannot control every decision made at the international level, but we can control our own position, conduct and messaging. The Estonian Olympic Committees role is to ensure that Estonian sport acts with dignity in this difficult situation, while protecting athletes and upholding our values,” said Estonian Olympic Committee President Erich Teigamägi.
“Our athletes’ responsibility is to compete, not to bear responsibility for political decisions. Self-isolation or a boycott would serve neither the interests of Estonian sport nor the competitiveness of our athletes. Strong performances by Estonian athletes also mean fewer medals, places and qualification quotas for representatives of aggressor states. It is the responsibility of the Estonian Olympic Committee and Estonia’s sports federations to defend our principles at the international level,” Teigamägi added.
Guidelines have been prepared for Estonian athletes and delegations. These cover, among other matters, maintaining distance during medal ceremonies, avoiding joint press conferences and interactions on social media, and being prepared to report violations of the conditions of neutrality. These are recommendations, not mandatory requirements.
The Estonian Olympic Committee continues to monitor the situation closely as pressure grows to readmit Russia and Belarus more broadly to international sport. The International Olympic Committee suspended the recognition of the Russian Olympic Committee in October 2023. It has since allowed individual neutral athletes and young athletes to participate in international competitions and, in July 2026, temporarily lifted the suspension imposed on the Russian Olympic Committee. The Estonian Olympic Committee will continue to represent Estonia’s position within international sports organisations and coordinate its activities with Ukraine, the Baltic and Nordic countries, and other partners.