World Aquatics has stirred significant controversy by allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete without restrictions under their own flag and anthem, a policy change that has garnered both joy in Russia and outrage in Ukraine. This decision, made since 2022, aligns with Russia's increasing push for inclusion in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, following similar moves in other sports like judo.

Ukrainian athletes have expressed their disbelief and condemnation. Vladyslav Heraskevych, a skeleton competitor disqualified for wearing a “helmet of remembrance” during the Winter Olympics, labeled the decision as “unacceptable and disgraceful.” He highlighted the ongoing conflict, stating it does not allow for neutrality in sports, particularly for Ukrainian facilities targeted by Russian missiles.

Key points of contention include:

• Heraskevych's assertion that Russian athletes, such as Evgeny Rylov, who have openly supported the war, should not be allowed to compete.
• The notion that World Aquatics is ignoring the realities of the war by reinstating Russian symbols in competitions.

Husain al-Musallam, president of World Aquatics, defended the decision, claiming the organization aims to maintain pools and open water as spaces for peaceful competition among athletes of all nations. Meanwhile, Dmitry Mazepin, head of the Russian Aquatics Federation, welcomed the news, emphasizing that competing without the Russian anthem was an insult to athletes.

On the same day, Ukraine's water polo team boycotted a World Cup match against a Russian team, marking the first instance of Russian participation in international team sports since the war began. The situation puts additional pressure on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which previously recommended easing restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes.