Interfax: Russia won’t put up with unsubstantiated slander against it on issue of doping in sports – Peskov

Dmitry Peskov file photo adapted from image at kremlin.ru/wikimedia commons

MOSCOW. June 8 (Interfax) – Russia is against the use of doping in sports, but that does not mean that it is ready to put up with unsubstantiated slander against it on this issue, Russian presidential press officer Dmitry Peskov said.

“We all remember that the Russian president has given an absolutely clear signal that the use of any types of doping in sports is unacceptable to us, and, by the way, [Sports] Minister [Vitaly] Mutko spoke about that. Russia categorically opposes it,” Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.

“At the same time, that does not mean at all that we are ready to take any unsubstantiated allegations, unsubstantiated statements. Until we hear any clear proof or confirmations of this slander, we will treat it as absolute slander,” Peskov said, commenting on the information reported by Germany’s ARD television alleging that Sports Minister Mutko is personally involved in covering up the use of doping.

At the same time, the presidential press officer said Russia condemns “the use of doping where is has been registered.”

He said Russia is also against registered instances of the use of doping casting a shadow on honest Russian athletes.

“Additionally, the president and Minister Mutko have said more than once that they are involved in anti-doping activities in an atmosphere of very close interaction with the relevant international structures, and you also remember the president’s words on the need for very close interaction with our international partners and relevant services on probes into cases where suspicions exist,” Peskov said.

[featured image is file photo]

Comment