Ukraine FIA Protest Escalates After Russian Ban Lifted

Ukraine has intensified its challenge to the FIA’s decision to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian competitors, filing a case with the FIA Court of Appeal.

The move marks the latest development in a dispute that has drawn global attention across Formula 1 news and wider motorsport governance.

Ukraine escalates FIA complaint

The original ban, introduced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prevented individuals from both nations competing internationally.

Although the FIA removed the restriction on 3 August following similar action by the International Olympic Committee, international events in Russia and Belarus remain prohibited.

Concerns over Russian motorsport activity

Ukraine’s Automobile Federation (FAU) argues the ban should remain because the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF) is operating offices in Crimea, Sevastopol, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia - territories recognised by the United Nations as Ukrainian.

The FAU says this violates FIA statutes, which allow only one national sporting authority per country.

A statement from the FAU claims the FIA’s decision “effectively amounts to the FIA imposing restrictions on competitors from Ukraine,” as it forces Ukrainian drivers to compete in events where symbols of the aggressor state may be present.

FAU president Oleksandr Feldman told BBC Sport: “This is a flagrant breach of the FIA statutes… You cannot become the governing national sporting authority through drones and missiles.”

He urged the FIA to sanction the RAF and restore compliance with international sporting rules.

Political and ethical tensions

The FAU also highlighted that RAF president Boris Rotenberg is subject to sanctions from the US, UK and EU, and noted that 23 Ukrainian motorsport participants have been killed since the invasion began.

They argue the war has severely disrupted motorsport activity and freedom of movement within Ukraine.

According to reports, the proposal to lift the ban came from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The FIA ethics committee - now overseen by Ben Sulayem and senate president Carmelo Sanz de Barros - will be central to the investigation.

The FIA said it “continues to monitor the situation closely”.