The International Association of Athletics Federations (World Athletics) upheld the suspension of Russians and Belarusians from international competitions against the backdrop of a full-scale war in Ukraine. This was reported on the official website of the organization.. “As I noted when introducing these measures last year, the unprecedented sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus by countries and industries around the world seem to be the only peaceful way to undermine and destroy Russia’s current intentions and restore peace.”. The death and destruction that we have seen in Ukraine over the past year, including the deaths of about 185 athletes, has only strengthened my determination on this issue.. The reputation of our major international competitions has already been significantly damaged by the actions of the Russian and Belarusian governments due to the difficulties caused to Ukrainian athletes and the destruction of the Ukrainian sports system.. Russian and Belarusian athletes, many of whom are military, should not be the beneficiaries of these actions.. Athletes, officials and support personnel from Russia and Belarus are still excluded in the near future," At the same time, World Athletics has decided to renew the membership of the Russian athletics federation after seven years of doping suspension..