Russia just became persona non grata
The true leader of the Republican party has been busy these past few days. No, I am not talking about Orange Florida Man. Rather I am talking about Vladmir Putin, who has had the Russian military attack Ukraine. In addition to sanctions and Russia being cut off from the SWIFT system, Russia is also finding itself persona non grata in the sporting world as well.
Both the Polish and Sweedish football (soccer) teams have said no to playing Russian teams anytime soon. This was after the Champions League Final was moved from Moscow to Paris in response to Russia’s aggression. Other sporting events that were to take place in Russia have been moved or cancelled. Both the International Tennis and Ski Federations have said Russia’s not going to be hosting their events anytime soon. Norway has said it does not want Russians competing in events taking place on its soil and Sweden has gone so far as to propose a ban on any Russians athletes participating in sporting events in the EU.
Also, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is pissed. Russia violated the Olympic Truce twice before by attacking another country during or just after the Olympics. And now just did it again by attacking Ukraine right after the 2022 Olympics. So the IOC is on board with moving or cancelling events.
Many Russians rightfully oppose what Putin has done even at great personal risk to themselves, proving Russia is full of good and decent people. Hopefully making Russia persona non grata in sports, finance, entertainment, and in other areas will make Putin as unpalatable for the oligarchs and right wing religious fanatics propping him up as he is now for millions of ordinary Russians, and bring about much needed change in the Russian government.
