US concerned about “direct links” of Belarusian athletes to military, secret services

March 29, BPN. The US Department of State continues consultations with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committees and other countries regarding the potential participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions, its principal deputy spokesman, Vedant Patel, has told journalists.

“We continue to have serious concerns around the direct links between the Olympic and Paralympic athletes and the Russian and Belarusian militaries and national security agencies,” he said.

The official also questioned the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) statement issued on March 28 that recommends the return of Belarusian and Russian athletes to international competitions in a neutral status. The recommendation does not apply to the 2024 and 2026 Olympics.

IOC President Thomas Bach argued that so far, no security incidents have been recorded at sports events with the participation of Russians and Belarusians as members of foreign clubs.

Athletes from both countries often have to struggle to obtain visas and work permits in their host countries, he added. “We will not be able to come up with a solution which pleases everyone,” Bach said. “With this we may have to live.”

Many Belarusian athletes are linked to law enforcement agencies and have military ranks, including biathletes who are affiliated with the Committee for State Security.