Of the medals fraudulently earned by Russian athletes at the Sochi Games, not one has been withdrawn by the International Olympic Committee. The Winter Olympics begins in South Korea in February, yet it is unclear whether the I.O.C. can finish its own investigations of Russian doping before the competition starts. (WADA, which enforces the world antidoping code, is separate from the I.O.C.) Of the two I.O.C. commissions established to investigate Russian doping, only one asked for my evidence — and that was just two weeks ago. Russia is emboldened when no one holds it to account, and we have all seen the consequences.

Russia has refused to accept responsibility. My former boss, Vitaly Mutko, a deputy prime minister and former minister of sport, has repeatedly denied knowledge of my activities as director of the Moscow Anti-Doping Center, where I oversaw Russia’s doping program with help from several agents of the Federal Security Bureau (formerly the K.G.B.), and many government officials. If anyone believes I could have done all of this without the sports minister’s knowledge and support, they know nothing of Russia. Let me be clear: Mr. Mutko knew about, and was critical to the success of, Russia’s doping program. The very fact that Russia is pursuing criminal charges against me — and only me — for misusing my position tells one everything they need to know: This is a witch hunt, and I am the witch.

Let’s also be clear that doped athletes in Russia are, in many ways, victims, too. In the Russian system, they do not have much choice but to cheat, even if some did so enthusiastically. Many, even most, would prefer to compete without doping, without the constant fear of getting caught. That’s why I was happy, on one level, when those 95 athletes were cleared. Perhaps they will have a chance to redeem themselves, should Russia ever permit clean competition by its athletes.

I know that I shocked many people by revealing my country’s doping program. I apologize to everyone I disappointed by helping Russia cheat. When senior officials in Russia direct you to do something, you do not ask questions. I had no choice.