European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Varna: Russian and Belarusian anthems sound again

The European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships took place in Varna, Bulgaria, from 27–31 May, with Russian and Belarusian athletes competing for the first time since 2021 under their national flags and anthems. The International Gymnastics Federation lifted restrictions on these nations in mid-May. Ukrainian athletes protested the decision.

The European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships held in the Bulgarian resort town of Varna from 27–31 May proved to be politically tense. For the first time since 2021, Russian and Belarusian competitors were permitted to compete as national teams under their own flags and anthems after the International Gymnastics Federation lifted the restrictions that had been imposed on them in mid-May.

The decision sparked sharp opposition. Ukrainian athletes publicly protested the admission of Russian and Belarusian representatives to competitions with full official national status, citing Russia's war in Ukraine. Several members of the Ukrainian delegation expressed their discontent both before and during the competition.

Russia's team also drew attention for its composition — the squad consists predominantly of athletes trained at an academy associated with Alina Kabaeva. Kabaeva, a former world rhythmic gymnastics champion and member of Russia's State Duma, is on international sanctions lists due to her close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.