Paris Mayor Advocates for Ukraine, Criticizes Neutral Athlete Policy at Paralympics

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her support for Ukraine while criticizing the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes under a neutral banner in the Paralympics. Welcoming a Ukrainian mayoral delegation, she emphasized solidarity with Ukraine and the importance of integrating people with disabilities, especially those affected by the war.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo pledged her support to Ukraine on Wednesday, welcoming a delegation of mayors from the war-torn country. She criticized the International Paralympic Committee for allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral banner, despite the ongoing conflict.

Hidalgo noted that although these athletes compete without national representation, she would have preferred a complete ban. Currently, 88 Russians and eight Belarusians are participating in the Paralympic Games in Paris under these neutral conditions.

The Ukrainian delegation included the mayor of Poltava, who reported on the deadly missile attack in his city, underscoring the war's brutality and the need for international support. Hidalgo reiterated Paris' commitment to Ukraine and highlighted the necessity of integrating people with disabilities, a pressing issue exacerbated by the conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)