Former Russian figure skater Tatiana Navka has recently come under scrutiny for her involvement in organizing events in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Navka, who received a state grant from the Russian government, used the funds to stage a theatrical performance in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
The grant and Navka's support for the event have raised significant concerns about the politicization of sports and the ethical implications of her actions. In a revealing interview, Navka acknowledged that she considers the LPR to be part of Russia.
These statements have ignited controversy both within the international figure skating community and beyond. Critics argue that Navka's endorsement of the occupation and her use of state funds to promote events in the disputed territory undermine the principles of fair play and sportsmanship.