'Now we have been involuntarily but clearly shown the attitude which absolutely any Russian will face at international competitions.' The rules of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) state that the two fencers must shake hands.įollowing the incident, the IOC urged international federations to 'handle situations involving Ukrainian and individual neutral athletes with the necessary degree of sensitivity.'Īccording to Pozdnyakov, these remarks 'clearly showed the duplicity of the so-called recommendations, criteria and parameters.' On Thursday, Ukrainian fencer Olha Kharlan was disqualified at the World Fencing Championships in Milan after refusing to shake the hand of her beaten Russian opponent Anna Smirnova.

'The statement in question indicates that the IOC determined for itself and picked a side in the political conflict, (and) began to act in the interests of this side,' Stanislav Pozdnyakov said on Telegram.

The head of Russia's Olympic Committee on Friday accused the International Olympic Committee of picking sides after it urged sports federations to show sensitivity when handling Ukrainian athletes.

Ukraine euro 2020 team