As reported by the website sportowefakty.wp.pl, the Polish side was not against the Russians starting at the event.

However, it was conditional that they sign a document declaring that they are not funded by the Russian government and do not support military actions in Ukraine.

Because the Russian representatives refused, the organizers excluded them from the competition, which caused a wave of indignation in Russia.

Former Olympic champion and State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova called the actions of the Russian athletes correct and criticized the Polish side for"provocative behavior" and "an attempt to eliminate a strong competitor."

According to her, rowing in Russia would not survive without state support. Zhurova warned that if Poland continues in a similar vein, it could lose the right to organize international sports events.

The situation has sparked a debate about the influence of politics on sports. Zhurov warned that such conditions could set a dangerous precedent and allow organizers to exclude representatives of various countries from international events.