EUSA has confirmed that it will "maintain" the EUSA Solidarity Fund to support the activities of the National University Sports Association of Ukraine ©Getty Images

The European University Sports Association (EUSA) has confirmed that it will "maintain" the EUSA Solidarity Fund to support the activities of the National University Sports Association of Ukraine.

The fund was established last year after Russia invaded Ukraine. 

The EUSA Executive Committee meeting, opened by EUSA President Adam Roczek, also confirmed that sanctions against Russia and Belarus will remain in place. 

This means that all universities from Russia and Belarus are suspended from EUSA competitions until further notice.

EUSA added that events will not be organised in the two countries and that the concept of "neutral athlete" will not be applied at its events.

Russia's war in Ukraine has been going on for a year now ©Getty Images
Russia's war in Ukraine has been going on for a year now ©Getty Images

However, the International Olympic Committee recently said it is "exploring a pathway" for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals at major events, including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

After Roczek delivered the summary of decisions, Yevgenij Imas, President of the National University Sports Association of Ukraine, thanked the EUSA for all the support and unity gained for his country.

The EUSA remain in solidarity with Ukraine and are encouraging the university sport community to donate to the Solidarity Fund to provide humanitarian support for the country, with their Members Federations expressing full support to the movement.