The Ukrainian Fencing Federation appealed to the International Fencing Federation (FIE) with a demand to deprive the Russian saber fencer Anna Smirnova of neutral status and remove her from participation in competitions under the auspices of the FIE. The corresponding appeal was published by the Fencing Federation of Ukraine on its official website.. " Earlier, Smirnova on social networks published a photo with her brother, a soldier of the Russian army.. In one of the pictures, a Russian fencer even shows her fingers the letter V - one of the symbols of the invasion of Russian occupiers into Ukraine..

Harlan's disqualification at the World Fencing ChampionshipsRecall that on July 27, Harlan was disqualified from the 2023 World Fencing Championships due to her refusal to shake hands with Russian Anna Smirnova after defeating her in the first round match of an individual tournament. The Russian saber fencer staged a provocation and did not leave the fencing track for almost an hour, and also filed a protest against the Ukrainian due to the lack of " Amid scandal, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted Harlan an automatic license for the 2024 Olympics.

IOC President Thomas Bach sent a letter to the fencer, where he assured of solidarity with Ukrainian athletes. After that, the media wrote that the International Fencing Federation (FIE) canceled Harlan's disqualification at the World Championships. However, the FIE then issued a shameful statement, explaining that Harlan's suspension had not been lifted, but only suspended.. The organization emphasized that they still consider the “black card” for a Ukrainian woman legitimate.