Youth and Sports Minister Dmitry Bulatov to boycott XI Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi

Because of the aggression of the Russian Federation I, as Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, officially announce a decision taken by me personally to boycott XI Winter Paralympic Games in Sochi.

The National Paralympic Committee currently has not taken a final decision on the participation of the National Paralympic team of Ukraine in the XI Paralympic Winter Games opening on March 7, 2014 in Sochi.

The National Paralympic team of Ukraine is one of the strongest teams in the world, especially in such sports as biathlon and skiing races. Most vivid memories and great achievements are associated with our team. These are the results of the last World Cup last year, where Ukraine took second place after Russia.

Today, we cherish all hope that the Russian authorities realize its responsibility as a country - the organizer of the Winter Paralympics.

Now there is a tragic situation where Russia as a state - organizer of the Paralympics- is the aggressor and occupier in relation to a country that participates in the Paralympics.

I, personally, Paralympics athletes and the National Paralympic Committee hope that the Russian leadership realizes the extent of responsibility to the world community and stop the aggression against Ukraine.