Ukraine may boycott the 2024 Summer Olympics if Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete in the Paris Games, the country’s sport minister has warned.

Vadim Guttsait’s said on Thursday that as long as there is a “war in Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be in international competitions”.

Belarus is a major ally of Russia and was used as a staging post for its full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

Guttsait’s comments came after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it would “explore a pathway” for athletes from the two countries to participate as neutrals.

“Work is currently under way on further possible steps and first steps to continue sanctions and prevent Russians and Belarusians from international competitions,” Guttsait said in a post on Facebook.

“If we are not heard, I do not rule out the possibility that we will boycott and refuse participation in the Olympics,” he added.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February last year, many international sports bodies have suspended Russian and Belarusian teams or athletes in protest against the war. Others have been permitted to compete under a neutral flag.

Just days after Russia launched its offensive on February 24, the IOC had urged sporting governing bodies and organisers to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from international events.