World Rowing statement on Ukraine

On notice of Russian Federation forces engaging in Ukraine territory, World Rowing wishes to express its deepest sadness at the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine, and its concern for the people affected, first and foremost in Ukraine, and also in Russia and Belarus where people will inevitably and involuntarily be affected as well.

We note with gravity that the Olympic truce has been violated, that casualties are already being counted and that displacement of civilian populations is underway, affecting friends of the rowing family among others.  We express our deepest sympathy to them, and call on the rowing community to support them.

Following initial measures that were undertaken yesterday, Friday 25 February, to help ensure the safety of Ukrainian athletes participating in our 2022 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships that took place this weekend, World Rowing continues to assess the situation and will take any appropriate measures in line with the international community and the Olympic movement.