LEN agrees not to invite Russian and Belarusian teams and supports Ukrainian athletesLEN strongly condemns the actions of the Russian government supported by Belarus, in its invasion of Ukraine. This act of war has shattered the lives of Ukrainian citizens and is totally against the spirit of sport.The Bureau of European Aquatics (LEN) met yesterday and decided not to invite Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials to LEN events in response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, until further notice. This is in line with recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and aims to overcome practical conditions related to the decisions of certain countries, as well as to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all athletes. LEN is committed to continue its work with FINA, the world aquatic governing body, to implement our respective positions and hope for a better future.Furthermore • LEN will support a concrete humanitarian initiative by the artistic swimming and diving federations of Croatia to host Ukrainian athletes and family members as refugees. This project, which is supported by FINA, will allow athletes to continue training and representing Ukraine at international events. This initiative is supported by Croatia’s Ministry of Sport and Tourism and hosts will include Zagreb, Zadar, Rijeka, and others.• No LEN competitions will be staged in, or assigned to, the territories of Russia or Belarus until further notice.

The LEN Bureau3March2022