Daria Shmelieva, a Russian cyclist, is facing severe criticism and condemnation following her contract with the national security club "Dynamo", linked to Russia's military during the intense war against Ukraine. The revelation of Shmelieva's involvement with a club associated with the defense structures amid the ongoing conflict has triggered widespread outrage, leading to calls for her exclusion from international competitions.

The cycling community and international sports bodies have strongly denounced Shmelieva's affiliation with an organization connected to military activities, emphasizing the imperative for athletes to maintain distance from geopolitical conflicts. This development has sparked discussions about the ethical implications of athletes' associations with entities involved in contentious geopolitical activities.