Russian President Vladimir Putin was stripped of his prestigious black belt in taekwondo on Monday (February 28, 2022) in response to his country’s attack on Ukraine.

World Taekwondo used its slogan, “Peace is More Precious Than Triumph,” in condemning Russia’s military activity in Ukraine, calling the “brutal attacks on innocent lives” a violation of the sport’s ideals of respect and tolerance.

“In this regard, World Taekwondo has decided to withdraw the honorary 9th dan black belt conferred to Mr. Vladimir Putin in November 2013,” the governing organization stated in an official statement.

“In solidarity with the International Olympic Committee, no Russian or Belarusian national flags or anthems will be displayed or played at World Taekwondo events. World Taekwondo and the European Taekwondo Union will not organize or recognize Taekwondo events in Russia and Belarus,” the statement added.

Other athletic organizations, such as FIFA and UEFA, have also barred Russian national teams and clubs from competing.

“Football is in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace,” FIFA and UEFA had said in a joint statement on Monday.

Meanwhile, Russian soldiers pounded Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, on Monday, earning further penalties from the US and its allies as part of Russia’s international isolation. Moscow refers to its efforts in Ukraine as a “special operation,” claiming that they are not intended to take land but rather to weaken its southern neighbour’s military capabilities and catch dangerous nationalists.

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TOPICS: Vladimir Putin