“I spend every second of my days coordinating efforts to locate athletes, their coaches and their families and figuring out how best to help them,” he said in an interview published Friday by the International Olympic Committee. (IOC).
"Some athletes, coaches and their families still live in war zones. We try to help them as best we can given the situation."
The six-time outdoor world champion, 58, said the task was "very difficult" with communications often cut off.
"We are really worried about their safety," he added.
The former world record holder hopes that his country's athletes can continue to compete despite the war.
"Our athletes can inspire others by showing the resilience of the Ukrainian people and help send a message of solidarity and peace," he added, quoting the Ukraine Paralympic team which finished second in the medal standings. at the Beijing Olympics.
"I am deeply hurt by what is happening to my country and I call for an immediate end to this war," he said.
© 2022 AFP