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Russia, Belarus Banned from International Ice Skating Events After Ukraine Invasion

The International Skating Union barred Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in international competition amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The ISU Council reiterates its solidarity with all those affected by the conflict in Ukraine and our thoughts are with the entire Ukrainian people and country. The ISU Council reaffirms its full solidarity with the ISU Members in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Speed Skating Federation and the Ukrainian Figure Skating Federation," the ISU said in a statement.

The organization says it plans to "evaluate possibilities for swift humanitarian assistance to its Ukrainian ISU Members."

Russia President Vladimir Putin ordered a military attack on Ukraine last Thursday in what's been called the largest military action in Europe since World War II.