Russia leverages judo to regain Olympic foothold amid growing EU sanctions

With the Los Angeles Summer Olympics approaching, Russia is accelerating a campaign to bring its judokas back onto the global stage, reflecting President Vladimir Putin’s long-standing love of judo. The International Judo Federation, under president Marius Vizer since 2007, has removed restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, permitting them to compete under their national flag—the first such reinstatement since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Critics, including Ukrainian Judo head Vitalii Dubrova and EU officials, argue the move serves Moscow’s soft-power agenda and contravenes efforts to isolate Russia. The IJF’s earlier solidarity funding for Ukraine and athlete vetting have not prevented this shift, and the IOC’s tacit support via President Kirsty Coventry adds to concerns. Analysts note the historic “judo brotherhood” linking Putin’s allies, such as Arkady and Boris Rotenberg, to the sport’s governance, illustrating how personal networks bolster Russia’s broader geopolitical aims.