MOSCOW (Sputnik) — It is extremely unfair that innocent athletes not involved in doping violations are being sanctioned, Peskov stressed.
"The Kremlin has traditionally categorically opposed the politicization of sports. The Kremlin has also — and President [Vladimir] Putin has stated this repeatedly — strongly opposed the use of doping and outlined the fight against doping use as a priority. At the same time, the Kremlin has traditionally believed that while athletes found guilty of using doping should be punished accordingly, sanctioning innocent athletes who have every right to compete under the flag of their own country is unfair," Peskov told reporters.
According to the spokesman, Russia will use all legal means available to defend the interests of its athletes.
"There is a whole range of legal means available to defend the interests of our athletes, and, of course, the Russian side will use these means fully," he said.
