MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) said in a statement seen by the R-Sport news agency that less than 1 micrograms of meldonium per milliliter would be permissible in samples submitted before March 1, 2016. The world anti-doping body listed meldonium as a banned substance on January 1.
"President [Vladimir Putin] earlier said that such situations need to be sorted out calmly, openly and in full cooperation with relevant international organizations. This is happening now," Peskov said.
Meldonium is used in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union to treat heart conditions. The WADA says the drug is used to enhance an athlete's performance. In March, Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova admitted to having tested positive for the drug. Her statement was followed by more cases of Russian athletes found taking meldonium.
