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Ukraine Exposes Six Russian Parasports Athletes Who Fought in War Against Ukraine
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Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR), the Youth and Sports Ministry, and the Center for Countering Disinformation have published information on six Russian parasports athletes who took direct part in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The data were released in the “Champions of Terror” section of the War&Sanctions portal on March 11.
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The agencies described the move as part of an effort to document Russian athletes linked to military operations and prevent their participation in international sport, including under a neutral status.
Among those identified was Artemiy Repkin, a lieutenant colonel in the Russian armed forces and a member of Chuvashia’s Paralympic athletics team.
The report noted that he took part in the 2025 CISM World Military Para Athletics Championship in Quito as part of the Russian armed forces team and was involved in the war as deputy commander of the 96th Separate Reconnaissance Brigade of the 1st Tank Army.
The list also included Dmitry Borisov, a captain in the Russian armed forces and a member of Russia’s Paralympic powerlifting team, who served as commander of a motorized rifle company in the 69th Guards Motorized Rifle Division.
Another athlete named was Anton Lishik, a senior warrant officer in the Russian armed forces, a member of the Russian military team, and a participant in the 2024 CISM archery championship in Dhaka, who remains involved in the war as sergeant major of the 36th Separate Disciplinary Battalion.
Ukraine’s military intelligence and the Youth and Sports Ministry argued that Russia is using Paralympic sport as a tool for a full return to the global sports community.
The agencies added that work to block Russian influence agents abroad would continue.
Previously, the Netherlands canceled hosting a European parasports event after organizers cleared Russian athletes to compete under their national flag, citing concerns that this decision undermines sport’s integrity during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Dutch officials pointed to documented ties between some Russian athletes and the Russian military, arguing that allowing national symbols risks legitimizing aggression and contradicts the values of inclusion and fair competition.
They declared the country would not provide a platform for participation under state flags while accountability is absent, urging sports bodies to revisit eligibility rules and apply stricter neutrality standards.
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