Strained ties between Russians and Ukrainians exhibited at the European Council, according to Mamiashvili's observation.
Rewritten Article:
In the bustling arena of the European Championships, a chill lingered between the Russian and Ukrainian wrestling teams. Despite a thaw in relations, Ukrainian grapplers continue to face intense pressure from their own authorities, according to Mikhail Mamiashevili, president of the Russian Wrestling Federation (RWF).
The Russians, pridefully adorning their laurels from Bratislava, claimed ten golden trophies, two silver, and five bronze. The Ukrainians, though valiant, could only manage four gold and five bronze medals.
Speaking of the dynamic between the two competing nations, Mamiashevili commented, "It's still the same – no handshakes, which is absurd. There's definitely a melting of ice – they're even exchanging greetings now."
RBC Group reported Mamiashevili empathizing with the Ukrainians, admitting they're under immense pressure. But he couldn't fathom the idea of his superiors issuing an order barring Olympians from extending a friendly gesture to their rivals.
The ongoing political and social turmoil surrounding the Russo-Ukraine war forms the backdrop for the Ukrainian athletes' refusal to engage with their Russian counterparts during competitions. Although the article from RBC Group does not explicitly mention Ukrainian authorities putting pressure on their athletes, the athletes' resistance could be an expression of national solidarity.
Ukrainians have been shying away from greetings, handshakes, and joint photographs with Russians and Belarusians since 2022, an avoidance that may persist during competitions like the Olympics in Paris. A prime example of this stance can be found in the actions of Ukrainian wrestler Irina Kolyadenko, who refused to shake hands with Russian athletes during the European Championships in Bratislava, labeling them as undeserving of competing against her compatriots.
In response, Mamiashevili sees Kolyadenko as "unfortunate." The colossal tensions between the two nations are such that a simple handshake can be perceived as legitimizing the opposition, especially in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Wrestling enthusiasts can delve deeper into the ongoing geopolitical drama by joining the discussions in our Telegram channel "RBC Sport".
Enrichment Perspective:
The Ukrainian athletes' reluctance to engage with Russian competitors at various international events, including the 2025 European Wrestling Championships in Slovakia, stem from broader political and social considerations rooted in the ongoing Russo-Ukraine conflict. Although the search results do not explicitly mention Ukrainian authorities putting direct pressure on athletes, the refusal to interact may symbolize a show of solidarity and opposition to Russian aggression.
Keywords: Ukraine, Russia, war, solidarity, international sports, handshakes, athletic competition, politically charged environment.
- The Ukrainian wrestlers, like Irina Kolyadenko, have noticeably refused to shake hands with their Russian counterparts, a gesture that reflects their national solidarity amidst the ongoing Russo-Ukraine conflict.
- Despite the tense atmosphere at international sports events such as the European Wrestling Championships, Vseprosport encourages wrestling enthusiasts to engage in discussions about these politically charged environments through our Telegram channel, "RBC Sport."
- In the context of the ongoing Russo-Ukraine war, the Olympics in Paris may see a continuation of Ukrainian athletes' refusal to engage in handshakes or other forms of interaction with Russian athletes, a move seen as a symbolic expression of unity and opposition to Russian aggression.
