The Chess Federation of Ukraine (FSU) recommended that members of the national team not shake hands with representatives of Russia and Belarus at international competitions. This was reported in the social networks of the organization.
Chess players were also advised not to be photographed and not to communicate with Russians and Belarusians, as well as «to refrain from actions that could harm the image of Ukraine.»
In addition, members of the Ukrainian chess team were advised during interviews and public events to “remind the world community” of Russian aggression against their country and that “a large number of Russians and Belarusians, including chess players either support the authorities of their countries, or silently observe the genocide of Ukrainians.”
In addition, the Ukrainian Chess Federation advises its members at events and in social networks to say that the International Chess Federation (FIDE) is headed by a Russian Arkady Dvorkovich — «a direct servant of the Kremlin and an accomplice in Russia's crimes», who «should be sanctioned and removed from the position of FIDE President.»
On July 27, Ukrainian saber fencer Olga Kharlan refused to shake hands with her rival from Russia, Anna Smirnova. Because of this, the Ukrainian, despite winning the fight, was disqualified. Harlan later said that the head of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) allowed her not to shake hands with Smirnova, despite the fact that without this ritual the match cannot be considered over.
The day before, July 28, the Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported that the FIE may waive the mandatory handshake and allow athletes to salute each other from a distance. There is no official confirmation of this information yet.