Dear members of the Turkish Olympic committee,

The Russian Federation together with the Republic of Belarus launched a deceptive and absolutely outrageous attack on Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022. Radar-guided cruise missiles hit residential areas, kindergartens, and hospitals in the middle of Europe.

In imposing sanctions, the entire world is offensively responding to the aggressor – the enemy must suffer significant losses. The International Olympic Committee firmly condemns the Russian invasion to Ukraine. Any act of violation against independent nations and people, is, in essence, an abusive offence of the fundamental Values of Olympism, which aim towards peaceful coexistence and solidarity.

As the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim is organized by the Turkish Olympic Committee, it represents the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, and therefore we request the Turkish Olympic Committee to exclude Russian and Belorussian swimmers from participation this year.

Ukrainian people deeply appreciate the Turkish government's help and are very thankful for blocking the Bosphorus for the Russian warships. However, even small sacrifices matter when people are dying, and Russians should feel the impact of the war their country started in every aspect of their lives. 

Having appealed to you, I am confident that you will not only hear; you will also take all measures necessary to defend Ukraine, Europe, and, ultimately, the entire democratic world, from bloody authoritarian aggression.