16/01/2026
Good afternoon, colleagues!
I never thought I would have to participate in such a decision regarding paintball athletes from Russia!
But today, the situation is different! Some of you may ask, what does this have to do with athletes, what does this have to do with sports, sports are outside of politics, etc.
I will answer you! Have you seen the bodies of people, including children, killed by Russian missiles and drones? Have your children been living in subways and bomb shelters for over four years? Have you seen a grief-stricken mother standing over the co**se of her baby? We see this every day. We see the funerals of entire families killed by Russian rockets in Lviv. We are taking the brunt of the so-called “ORISHNIK” strikes, which are destroying our homes. Do you know that we have no electricity for 15 hours a day? Do you know that we have no heating in entire buildings and people live at a room temperature of 5-9 degrees? Do you know why there is no heating? Because Russia wants to bring the Ukrainian people to their knees. And which country will be next? Have you thought about that?
The problem is difficult to solve only on the front lines, through sanctions, financial and other assistance. It must be solved by all possible means and methods.
And therefore, the decision to ban Russian athletes will be the UPBF's contribution to helping end this war as quickly as possible!
Colleagues, before you make your decision to vote “FOR” or “AGAINST,” think about my words. Your decision, even in the smallest way, will determine how long the killing of Ukrainians will continue.
Glory to Ukraine!
I hope for your support,
President of the Ukrainian Paintball Federation
Viktor Tohayev
