Russian, Belarusian figure skaters suspended from int'l competitions over Ukraine

MOSCOW. March 1 (Interfax) - The International Skating Union (ISU) has decided to remove athletes from Russia and Belarus from competition under its auspices over the developments in Ukraine.

"Following the IOC recommendation, in order to protect the integrity of ice skating competitions and for the safety of all the participants of international ice skating competitions, the ISU Council based on Article 17.i.q)i) of the ISU Constitution, agreed that with immediate effect and until further notice, no Skaters belonging to the ISU Members in Russia (Russian Skating Union and the Figure Skating Federation of Russia) and Belarus (Skating Union of Belarus) shall be invited or allowed to participate in International ice skating Competitions including ISU Championships and other ISU Events," the ISU said in a statement.

The same sanction applies to relevant Russian and Belarusian officials, it said.