Vladimir Putin has reiterated that Russia stands with China against attempts to ‘politicize’ sport ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics through actions such as diplomatic boycotts by some Western countries at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing.

China is gearing up to host the Winter Games next month, but the build-up has partly been characterized by a group of countries, spearheaded by the US, announcing they would shun the event at diplomatic level, supposedly in protest at Beijing’s human rights record.

Officials in Russia have decried those actions as a political sideshow aimed at undermining the sporting showpiece, and contrary to Olympic principles of unity.

Russian President Putin will be at the Games at the personal invitation of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and stressed in an address to Russian athletes on Tuesday that the two nations are firmly united in their stance on boycotts by the likes of the US, the UK, Canada, and others.

The Russian leader is set to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Games in Beijing on February 4, and will hold sideline talks with Chinese leader Xi.

Russia is set to send a delegation of 221 athletes and 461 people in total to the Beijing Games, where the team will formally be competing under the banner of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) due to ongoing WADA sanctions.

Speaking to athletes via video-link, Putin said the whole nation would be behind them back home.

The Chinese capital will become the first city ever to welcome both the Summer and Winter editions of the Olympics, having held the former in 2008.

Russian officials have joined their Chinese counterparts in condemning the US and others for what they see as efforts to undermine Beijing’s hosting of the Games.
-RT