A figure skater has been accused of ‘pure treason’ for turning his back on Russia to compete for Germany.
Nikita Volodin, who was born in St Petersburg, became a duel citizen last year and won bronze with partner Minerva Hase at the Winter Olympics in the pairs free skate.
Back in Russia, the Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev is furious at the likes of Volodin for what he considers a despicable defection, especially as the athlete used to compete in Russian colours before switching.
Russia are not allowed to compete at the Winter Olympics and are serving an ongoing ban by the International Olympic Committee for violating the Olympic Charter as a consequence of the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
But Degtyarev is still furious with those who he sees as traitors, saying: ‘Changing citizenship is pure treason. And that’s my opinion, and it’s correct.
‘We provide them with food, education, coaches, and sports facilities. And then, bam, they throw away their passports and disappear.
Russian president Vladimir Putin is pictured in a meeting with Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev (left)
Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin won bronze in the figure skating
‘If we take everything away from them, ban them from entering and using our sports facilities, then we’ve achieved our goal. This is a delicate matter, but there can be no compromises here.’
It remains to be seen whether Degtyaryov makes good on his threat to ban athletes who have changed allegiance from entering Russia.
Volodin has remained quiet on the topic of the invasion of Ukraine, saying only: ‘We have a clear opinion, but that will remain private.’
Dozens of athletes have turned their back on Russia in an embarrassing move for Vladimir Putin.
Each one who claims a medal, like Volodin, brings further attention to the trend that is infuriating politicians in the country.
There are 38 in total who were born in Russia who are competing under different flags at the Games in Milan.
Hase and Volodin achieved Germany’s first skating medal at the Winter Olympics for eight years on Monday.
Japan stormed to gold, with Georgia claiming silver but the German pair were delighted to be on the podium.
Volonin used to compete for Russia and has been called a traitor for now representing Germany
‘It doesn’t suck at all, to be honest. It’s a medal at the Olympics. I think it doesn’t matter which colour,’ Fabienne Hase told reporters.
‘We can bring home a bronze medal from our first Olympics together. I think that’s pretty amazing.
‘A lot of people said we should get gold but I think we’re (just) as proud to bring home bronze for figure skating,’ the 26-year-old added.
