Zorba delivered a speech at the end of the Congress after all other matters had been concluded including the re-election of ITF President Paul Weiler of Germany and the election of a new Board of Directors.

Speaking through a translator, Zorba outlined the impact of the war on everyday life in Ukraine.

"We all know that the war in Ukraine has been going on for 18 months," he said.

"Every day Russian missiles destroy our cities and villages.

"Children, women and men die, and the structures are destroyed.

"It is so difficult for us, but Ukraine is successfully defending against Russian invaders."

He was then halted by Weiler, who urged him to refrain from making what were described as "political statements".

"Sorry to interrupt you, this is not the place for political statements, and when we talked before the Congress, it was a very different information that I received from Mr Zorba," the ITF President said.

Zorba was permitted to continue his speech, and revealed that some members of the Ukrainian team are missing the ITF World Championships in the Finnish city of Tampere due to start tomorrow, but expressed gratitude to members for their support.

Ukraine is set to be represented by a team of 43 athletes across the age categories at the World Championships.

"Despite the Russian war in Ukraine, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine helped the Ukrainian national team to participate in the Championships," he added.

"For this, the athletes have the opportunity to compete with the strongest and best in the world.

"Unfortunately some athletes couldn't go with us and participate in this competition, because they are at the war.

"They risk their lives for our safety.

"In this difficult time for Ukraine, we did our best in order to be here, in order to be fully engaged in the taekwon-do family, see our friends, and thank all countries for supporting us.

"We appreciate your support which is given by your countries.

"Your help makes us stronger in the fight against Russian aggressors."

His speech drew applause from the room, and he continued to stand at the podium as the Congress was concluded.

"We have all empathy for your situation, but this is not the platform for political statements," Weiler reiterated.

"I would like to thank all of those who contributed to the success of the Congress and took part in it, and look forward to seeing you later."

Russian and Belarusian delegates did not attend the Congress, and neither country's athletes are competing at the World Championships.

The ITF Board agreed Russia and Belarus would not compete at its events or participate in its committees in March 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine.

Finland has also adopted a particularly firm stance in response to the war, with its National Olympic Committee opposing updated International Olympic Committee recommendations allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes who do not support the conflict and are not affiliated to the military to compete as individual neutrals.

It has imposed travel restrictions on Russian citizens seeking to travel to the country.