German MPs call such actions of the International Swimming Federation “insensitive provocation and open mockery.”

Despite Russian aggression in Ukraine and international sanctions, Putin was awarded a prize for his promotion of water sports.

The International Swimming Federation (FINA) awarded the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, its top prize for his promotion of water sports. The President of the Federation, Julio Maglione declared that Putin’s personal involvement in this activity promotes brotherhood among different countries, as well as “the development of a healthy society in the spirit of peace and friendship.”

The German newspaper Die Zeit devoted an article to the reaction of German deputies. Frank Steffel, deputy and member of the Bundestag Sports Committee called it “insensitive provocation and open mockery”, especially in view of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the deployment of Russian troops in eastern Ukraine.

“The International Swimming Federation should think about introducing sports sanctions against Russia, instead of making such a questionable decision.” said the deputy.

The newspaper notes that Europe is already discussing whether the 2015 FINA World Championships and the 2015 FINA World Masters Championships should be held in Kazan (Russian Federation). The journalists also pointed out that over the past two years more than ten Russian athletes have been disqualified for doping.

Dear readers! We need your help. COVID-19 has hit independent media outlets hard, but even more so in Ukraine, where most outlets are controlled by oligarchs. To make matters worse, several English-language media sources from Ukraine have closed recently. And even worse, this comes at a time of troubling government tendencies and amid a pro-Russian resurgence in Ukraine. Help keep us online and reporting on the most important of Ukrainian issues for you in these troubling times, bringing the voices of civic society to the forefront of the information war. Our articles are free for everyone to use but we depend on our readers to keep going. We are a small independent journalist team on a shoestring budget and have no political or state affiliation. If you like what you see, please Help keep us online and reporting on the most important of Ukrainian issues for you in these troubling times, bringing the voices of civic society to the forefront of the information war. Our articles are free for everyone to use but we depend on our readers to keep going. We are a small independent journalist team on a shoestring budget and have no political or state affiliation. If you like what you see, please support us with a donation

Related

Tags: FINA award, international, Kazan, Putin, Russia, Swimming champioships