Russia Decries Sports Politicization Ahead of 'Russia – Sporting Power' Forum

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin reiterated Russia's stance against discrimination and politicization in international sports, framing the upcoming 'Russia – Sporting Power' forum as a platform for clean competition. This follows ongoing Western bans on Russian athletes post-2022 invasion, signaling Moscow's continued soft-power push to counter isolation. The statement is routine diplomatic rhetoric with no immediate policy shift.