Press Release - Angela Merkel

Germany commends the IOC's decision to suspend Russia from further participation or involvement in the Olympic Games. We would again ask the IOC to reconsider removing our suspension from the games, as our misdemeanors pale significantly in comparison to the egregious acts made by Russia.

Germany also stands in solidarity with Venezuela at this time, and mourns the loss of their athletes and citizens at the hands of the Russian armies. This violence will not be tolerated.