Kyiv:Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has criticized the International Weightlifting Federation's (IWF) decision to award Moscow the 2030 World Championships, labeling it as "unacceptable."

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Sybiha expressed his concerns on the US social media platform X, emphasizing that the decision could misleadingly normalize the return of major international sporting events to Russia, despite ongoing conflicts. He highlighted the continued aggression by Russia, which includes violence against Ukrainians and athletes, arguing that it is immoral to allow Moscow to host such significant events under these circumstances.

Sybiha called on the IWF, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the global sporting community to reconsider the decision. He stressed that rewarding aggressors undermines the principles of fairness, respect, and integrity in international sports. He warned against allowing the Kremlin to use these events as a means to gain recognition and legitimacy without addressing its aggressive actions or accountability.

The IWF's decision is seen as a step toward reintegrating Russia into international sports, following restrictions imposed due to the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, the IOC's provisional lifting of the suspension on the Russian Olympic Committee in July could allow Russian athletes to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Notably, Moscow last hosted the championships in 1983.