Russia's Pride Can't Mask the Damage of Olympic Ban

Some Russians are downplaying the Olympics despite their athletes being banned from international competitions. However, the reality is that international sports still play a crucial role in Moscow's politics.

Vitaly Milonov, a Duma member, spoke out about the four-year ban on Russian athletes, saying there was no need for Russia to "degrade itself" or "beg for entry".

«We have pride», said the St Petersburg deputy, a member of Vladimir Putin's United Russia party. He claimed that international events had been «ruined» by the United States, the International Olympic Committee, and other governing bodies that imposed the ban.