Karjakin banned for six months over pro-Russia comments
One AmericaAPR 2022
It's impossible to separate sports from politics when Putin uses sports to solidify his position at home and restore Russia's standing internationally. Many athletes agree that it's impossible to allow Russians to compete while the illegal assault on Ukraine continues.
The "canceling" of Russia should be done with minimal harm to innocents, including athletes and artists who have no control over what their country is doing. Athletes that happen to be from a sanctioned country shouldn't be punished, except possibly when they're officially representing that country in competition.
The Kremlin is advancing Putin's interests through a low-cost disinformation campaign, and anyone who aids in its efforts to disseminate false narratives should be held to account.