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Topics: Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, Sport
Shola Lee
Topics: Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, Sport
Yasuhiro Yamashita, the president of the All Japan Judo Federation and Vladimir Putin's former judo partner, has called out his actions in Ukraine.
The former Olympian's comments come as others from international athletic groups stood in unity against Putin, condemning the Russian leader's actions.
Putin's invasion of Ukraine has reached its 50th day, while the UN has said that more than 10 million people have fled their homes.
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Yamashita had a once friendly relationship with Putin, filming an instructional video with the president called 'Let's Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin' in 2008, VICE reports.
However, the grand master has since parted ways with the president and has condemned his recent invasion of Ukraine.
The comments come following Putin's suspension last month from his position of honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation.
Yamashita said on his website: "As a Judoka, my deepest sadness and thoughts are with the people of Ukraine as well as all Judo lovers around the world."
The comments come with a particular sting as the Russian president often affirmed his love of Judo.
In 2000, Putin made a visit to the Kodokan Judo Institute, saying of his visit: "When I come to Kodokan, I have a sense of peace like I am at home."
Now, it seems that Putin is no longer welcome with the Judo institutions he once loved.
However, Yamashita isn't the only one to condemn Putin recently, with US president Joe Biden telling journalists just this week, 13 April, that it’s becoming 'clearer' that Putin is ‘trying to wipe out the idea of even being Ukrainian’.
The comments were made during a domestic policy event in Iowa, with Biden noting: "Your family budget, your ability to fill up your tank, none of it should hinge on whether a dictator declares war and commits genocide half a world away."
A journalist asked Biden about the comment, to which he replied: "I called it genocide because it’s become clearer and clearer that Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of even being Ukrainian."
"And the evidence is mounting. More evidence is coming out of the horrible things that the Russians have done in Ukraine," he continued.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Biden on Twitter for his condemnation of Putin, saying: "Calling things by their names is essential to stand up to evil. We are grateful for US assistance provided so far and we urgently need more heavy weapons to prevent further Russian atrocities."
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information