MOSCOW, February 26 The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has banned the use of flags and anthems of Russia and Belarus at tournaments under the auspices of the organization due to the situation in Ukraine, according to the FIG website. In addition, FIG canceled all stages of the World Cup and Challenge Cup scheduled in Russia and Belarus. No other FIG competitions will be held in these two countries until further notice. «Our primary responsibility as the sport's governing body is to protect all of our athletes, including from political pressure,» said FIG President Morinari Watanabe. «Our thoughts are with members of the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation. Sport is friendship and solidarity. We must show solidarity with our family members who are in despair and lend a helping hand to secure their future. «On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he had decided to special military operation of the Russian Federation 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.
