russians say sport is not political

There’s a good video about this on youtube i’ll try to find it.

But in short yes, Olympics and global sport competition are extremely really important to dictators.

It’s an opportunity for them to show their “superiority”.

Olympics is also usually where russians have the highest “pride” for their country so morale is high everywhere including the military, and their people are more willing to accept escapades if it brings glory to russia.

It also helps that they have been really successful and quick every time they do it.

They fucked around and found out in 2022 Ukraine.