On Thursday, French Ambassador to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins spoke about his visit to one of the Ukrainian units that is using the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence system to protect against Russian attacks.
Source: Etienne de Poncins on Twitter, repor…
The financing of the reconstruction of Irpin is “opaque”, according[1] to the DOZORRO project team of Transparency International Ukraine. In April 2022, the total costs of reconstruction was estimated[2] at $1 billion dollars. The report notes that out…
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crozetto has not ruled out the possibility of a “political choice that will determine the end” of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Source: Guido Crozetto in an interview with Corriere della Sera, reported by European Pravda
…
Ukrainian fencers lost two key World Fencing Championships matches on 30 July, taking fourth place. This is the Ukrainian fencing team’s best ever result at the championships.
Source: Suspilne Sport
Details: Ukraine’s women’s sabre fencing team has fin…
The Fencing Federation of Ukraine made a statement with the demand to deprive the Russian fencer Anna Smirnova of her neutrality status.
Source: statement of the National Fencing Federation of Ukraine
Quote: “The Fencing Federation of Ukraine appealed …
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has decided to change the rules following its controversial decision[1] to disqualify Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan after she refused to shake hands with her defeated Russian opponent on July 27 at the 2023 Fencing World Championships currently underway in Milan, Italy.
The FIE announced the traditional handshake at the end of the duel would be replaced by a salute, allowing Ukrainians not to approach Russians, even if they are competing under the neutral flag, Italian La Republica reported[2] on July 28.
Kharlan won the match against Russian fencer Anna Smirnova on July 27, who was competing under a neutral flag. Kharlan refused to shake hands, offering her saber to tap blades instead. Smirnova refused, staging a protest by remaining on the piste for more than half an hour.
The Ukrainian athlete was disqualified as the rules in fencing dictated that shaking an opponent’s hand is mandatory, with failure to do so resulting in a “black card.”
Following a large public outcry, the FIE on July 28 reversed[3] its decision after consulting with the International Olympic Committee, reinstating Kharlan in the Milan competitions and guaranteeing her a spot in the Paris Olympics next year.
“The most important thing for an athlete is to be able to compete, for my family, my team, my country, and all the people who support me. During these difficult few days, I appreciate all the support I’ve had from around the world,” said Kharlan following the reversal.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged[4] international sporting governing bodies to treat contests between Ukrainians and neutral athletes (implying Russian and Belarus athletes) “with the necessary degree of sensitivity” after Kharlan’s disqualification.
Reporter
Alexander Khrebet is a reporter with the Kyiv Independent. He covers Ukraine’s foreign policy, alleged abuse of power in the country’s military leadership, and reports on the Russian-occupied territories. Alexander is the European Press Prize 2023 winner, the #AllForJan Award 2023 winner and Ukraine’s 2022 National Investigative Journalism Award finalist. His was published in the Washington Times and Atlantic Council.
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) announced[1] on July 28 it was reinstating Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan, allowing her to take part in the team competition at the world championships in Italy.Kharlan won the match in Milan against Rus…
Four more stamps in support of Ukraine have been presented in Italy, with contemporary Ukrainian artists involved in their creation.
Source: Yaroslav Melnyk, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Italy; Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy
Details: Melnyk said …
Dimitris Dochtsi, Greek consul in Odesa, has offered assistance in the reconstruction of the architectural landmarks of the city of Odesa damaged by Russian attacks.
Source: Dochtsi at a meeting with Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov, reported by Odesa Ci…
Olha Kharlan, a Ukrainian fencer who was disqualified at the Fencing World Championship in Italy for her refusal to shake hands with her Russian opponent has been automatically allowed to compete in the Olympics.
Source: letter to Olha from Thomas Bach…
