German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has commented on the IOC's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in international competitions in neutral status. According to the Interior Minister, international sport should unequivocally condemn Russia's brutal war of aggression.

"The IOC's decision is a slap in the face to the Ukrainian people. They deserve the solidarity of international sport. The least Ukraine can expect is a clear position. This is only possible with the complete exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes. The fact that the IOC does not want to allow representatives of the Russian armed forces or teams is only the absolute minimum, which is not enough," the agency said on Twitter.

According to Faeser, Russia has no reason to return to world sport.

"Putin is continuing his criminal war of horrific brutality against Ukrainian civilians. The Russian military is killing countless Ukrainians every day, including athletes. The Olympic Games do not take place in a vacuum," the German official said.

Faeser is convinced that anyone who allows belligerent Russia to use international competitions for its propaganda is harming the Olympic ideals of peace and international understanding.

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