MOSCOW, 26 Feb. Biathletes from the Russian and Belarusian teams will compete at the World Cup and IBU Cup stages as neutral athletes, according to the website of the International Biathlon Union (IBU). In addition, biathletes from Russia and Belarus will not receive points at the World Cup stages in offset Nations Cup, as they will be considered neutral athletes. The IBU also announced that the anthems of Russia and Belarus will not be played at competitions under the auspices of the organization. In addition, the IBU has banned the placement of Russian or Belarusian flags, symbols and national emblems in competition venues. Instead of country flags, the IBU flag must be flown. The clothes and overalls of the Russian and Belarus national teams must be neutral in color and design and must not depict the national coat of arms or flag. Such decisions were taken following the results of the IBU Executive Committee on Friday after a request from the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). «The IBU strongly condemns Russia's attacks on Ukraine and expresses its deepest condolences to all those affected. Ukraine is a country with a great biathlon tradition and fan base, and the IBU stands in solidarity with We sincerely hope that a peaceful solution will be found that will put an end to the current conflict and suffering,» the message says. On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he had decided on a special Russian military operation to demilitarize Ukraine. In a televised address to the Russians, he said that the circumstances «require decisive and immediate action from us, the people's republics of Donbass turned to Russia with a request for help.» On February 21, Putin signed decrees recognizing the sovereignty of the LPR and the DPR.
