Finland bars Russian athletes from entering country over Ukraine war

Finland plans to limit entry for Russian athletes due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, impacting various winter sports events. This decision follows public backlash against Russia's reinstatement in ice hockey championships. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that Russian athletes pose a threat to Finland's international relations. The restrictions will apply to Russians competing under neutral status and those representing national teams. Upcoming events like the figure skating grand prix and cross-country ski World Cup may be affected, with the ISU monitoring the situation. Finland joins other European nations in refusing to compete against Russia in ice hockey championships, while future events like the European track and field championships are also under scrutiny.