Zhan Beleniuk expresses Olympic determination against Russia while questioning post-match diplomacy.

Zhan Beleniuk, an Olympian and Ukraine's first black member of parliament, does not currently consider the possibility of competing against Russian athletes in Paris due to his upcoming participation in the Games. However, he acknowledges that if fate has him face a Russian opponent, it would be a significant responsibility for Ukrainian athletes: "It will bring times two or three, maybe four... because we have full contact with each other and we should get a victory."

At 33, Beleniuk is the sole Ukrainian gold medalist from Tokyo Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling. He's currently preparing for competition but doesn't dwell on potential opponents. "When God sends you these kinds of opponents I will fight against Russians and Belarusians," he says, emphasizing that now is not the time to think about it.

Beleniuk belongs to more than 120 Ukrainian athletes set for Paris Olympics, their eighth since Ukraine's break from the Soviet Union in 1991. However, with Russia's invasion and Belarus' supportive stance in February 2022, this event bears unique significance: "It was like a dream to go back there again."

Despite not initially foreseeing Ukraine's conflict escalation after hearing the early morning explosions on February 24th, Beleniuk ended up staying at an Olympic base for a month. He returned to sports following this period: "My coach and our head of national team believed in continuing sports."

With approximately 400 athletes killed during the war, he acknowledges losing friends without specifying names. Beleniuk also shares his skepticism about the IOC's decision allowing Russian and Belarusian competitors to participate under neutral uniforms: "But for us it is wrong... it is not good."

Although a match with Russian athlete Milad Alirzaev, who earned an Olympic place as a neutral athlete, is possible in Paris, Beleniuk admits that controlling emotions will be crucial: "It will be difficult to get victory against any opponent if you don't control your emotions."

Beleniuk agrees with the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee's advice not to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian athletes, stating that it is impossible to show respect for individuals who support war efforts. "If they ask us to do so... no," he says firmly.

In terms of his performance goals at the Paris Olympics, Beleniuk has a dual responsibility: striving for personal success and representing Ukraine's interests in conversations about the country. He emphasizes that Ukrainian athletes have more than just sports responsibilities: "Your minimum job is to talk about Ukraine."