Olympic champion Evgeny Rylov has lost a speedo deal after attending a rally in Moscow hosted by Putin
As the war in Ukraine continues, Russian athletes are being dropped from their respective sports. Some are banned for simply being Russian but others are dropped because they outrightly support Vladimir Putin.
Prominent Swimwear brand Speedo has immediately terminated its sponsorship deal with 25-year-old Evgeny Rylov, a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
According to a Russian Newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, Rylov stood alongside seven other Russian athletes to commemorate Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
In February and March 2014, Russia invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. The invasion took place in the aftermath of the Revolution of Dignity and is part of the wider Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
This day is seen as illegal by the Ukrainian Government and condemned by the west.
Speedo says they stand in solidarity with Ukraine and will not support Russian agression.
The prominent brand says further sponsorship fees will be given to the UN commissioner for refugees.
