Finland restricts entry for Russian athletes amid Ukraine conflict
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 12, 2026, 5:23 PM
Last updated Nov 12, 2026
Finland has announced restrictions on Russian athletes entering the country due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This decision, articulated by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, will affect numerous winter sports, including skating and cross-country skiing. The move follows public backlash against Russia's reinstatement for the ice hockey world championships. Valtonen stated that allowing Russian athletes entry poses a threat to Finland's international relations as long as Russia's aggression continues. The implementation of these entry restrictions is a response to broader concerns regarding national interests.
- •Finland bars entry to Russian athletes due to the Ukraine war.
- •Measures affect winter sports like skating and skiing.
- •Elina Valtonen emphasizes threat to international relations.
- •The decision follows backlash against Russia's reinstatement in hockey.
- •Restrictions focus on non-essential short-term work visas.
- 5:23 PMThe Guardian Sport — Finland bars Russian athletes from entering country over Ukraine war
"Russians ‘have no business’ in country, says minister Skating and cross-country skiing first to be affected Finland says it will restrict entry to the country for Russian athletes because of the war in Ukraine, potentially affecting a number of winter sports. The move follows a backlash in Finland to Russia being reinstated for the ice hockey world championships. “As long as Russia’s war of aggression continues, Russian athletes have no business in Finland,” said Elina Valtonen, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. “Their entry into the country would be a threat to Finland’s international relations. The same is true of other short-term work under visas that is not essential to Finland’s national interests.” Continue reading...
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