Kyiv Exposes Russian Para-Athletes, Foreign Parts Linked to War Against Ukraine

Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR), together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the Center for Countering Disinformation, has published new data on six Russian para-athletes accused of directly participating in Russia’s war against Ukraine through the “Champions of Terror” section of the War&Sanctions platform.

The newly released profiles include Russian military personnel who simultaneously competed in international para-sport events while serving in combat-related military roles.

Among them is Artemy Repkin, identified as a lieutenant colonel in the Russian armed forces, a member of Chuvashia’s Paralympic athletics team, and a participant in the 2025 International Military Sports Council para-athletics championship in Quito as part of the Russian military team.

Ukrainian intelligence says he also serves as deputy commander of the 96th Separate Reconnaissance Brigade of Russia’s 1st Tank Army and is affiliated with the United Russia political party.

Another athlete named is Dmitry Borisov, described as a Russian army captain and member of Russia’s Paralympic powerlifting team who fought as commander of a motorized rifle company in the 69th Guards Motor Rifle Division. He also captains a veterans’ sled hockey team linked to Russia’s so-called “special military operation.”

Anton Lishik, a senior warrant officer in the Russian armed forces, was listed as both an active participant in the war and a member of Russia’s military archery team, having competed at the 2024 International Military Sports Council championship in Dhaka.

Other Topics of Interest

British Defence Intelligence Update Ukraine 01 June 2026

The frontline remains highly fluid as Ukrainian forces carry out small counterattacks while using drones to disrupt Russian logistics up to 20km behind the lines. Russia is pressing attacks on fortified cities in Donetsk, including Dobropillia, Vovchansk, and Kostiantynivka, where fighting is increasingly inside the city. Moscow is also advancing in Sumy and Kharkiv regions, aiming to create a buffer zone and stretch Ukrainian defenses.

Ukrainian intelligence said such athletes should be excluded from international sport, including from competitions under neutral status, arguing that Russia is using Paralympic sports to regain full access to the global sporting community while continuing military aggression.

The agencies said they will continue efforts aimed at exposing what they describe as Russian influence agents abroad through sports and other international platforms.

Russian sanctions evasion

In recent months, Ukrainian intelligence released technical profiles and supplier lists for missiles, cruise systems and drones – steps Kyiv says are crucial for helping partners close loopholes and stop the flow of dual-use goods.

The War&Sanctions platform, created and maintained by the HUR, documents Russian supply chains, tracks sanctioned entities, and lists foreign components found in Russian weapons.

The War&Sanctions portal currently contains:

• More than 5,200 foreign-made components identified in 181 types of Russian weapons
• 12 interactive diagrams of Russian and Iranian weapon systems
• Over 280 companies involved in their production

“Weapons Russia is using against Ukraine today may be used tomorrow against other states,” the HUR warned – calling for “synchronized action, stronger sanctions, and sustained support for Ukraine to stop the aggressor.”