Official statement from the International Olympic Committee on Russia's war on Ukraine

The International Olympic Committee on Thursday accused Russia of violating the "Olympic Truce" following its invasion of Ukraine, and said it would extend humanitarian aid to Ukrainian athletes wherever possible.

Hours after Moscow began invading its pro-Western neighbor, the International Olympic Committee said in a statement that it "strongly condemns the Russian government's violation of the Olympic armistice".

She noted that all 193 member states of the United Nations agreed last December to a global truce that begins seven days before the start of the Winter Olympics in Beijing on February 4 and ends seven days after the conclusion of the Winter Paralympic Games on March 13.

But in the early hours of Thursday morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, killing dozens and forcing hundreds to flee.

"Today, IOC President Thomas Bach renews his call for peace, which he made in his speech at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games," the statement continued.

The IOC also said that "in the wake of recent events", it was "deeply concerned about the safety of the Olympic community in Ukraine".

It added that it "has set up a task force to closely monitor the situation and extend humanitarian assistance to members of the Olympic community in Ukraine wherever possible."

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