World Athletics step up financial support for Ukraine

World Athletics have pledged further financial support to Ukrainian athletes in response to Russia's war on the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe over the weekend for talks. Zelensky has been invited to the Paris Olympics as Coe's personal guest if schedules allow.

Coe committed to continue financially supporting Ukrainian athletes through a special fund set up by athletics, ensuring they can continue to train, qualify for events and participate.

"It was important for me to be here this weekend at their national championships ahead of the Paris Olympics," said Coe, who attended the Ukrainian Athletics Championships in Lviv on Saturday.

"I have been deeply moved by the resilience and determination of the athletes. As we arrived at the stadium, an air raid siren was sounding and delayed the 200 metres start. This is the stark and sobering reality and challenges the athletes face day-in, day-out."

World Athletics will also work with the Kyiv government to lobby of the international community to help financially support the reconstruction of sports facilities destroyed in the war.

Zelensky praised the decision by World Athletics to exclude all Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international competitions.

Despite a recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow these athletes back into international competitions as neutrals, the world federation have stuck to their refusal.

"Thank you for your strong steps and decisions," Zelensky said. "Russia needs to feel that its terrorist war will cause its athletes to be treated accordingly. And that the price for this war is very high."