Oleg Tinkov renounces Russian citizenship over war in Ukraine

The oligarch, until now Russian, Oleg Tinkov, has been one of the most controversial cycling personalities of the last decade, but now he is in the limelight for the fervent political and social commitment he is having in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In his efforts to stop the armed conflict, Tinkov has just renounced his Russian citizenship.

Oleg Tinkov renounces Russian citizenship

The years when Tinkov was on the front pages of all the cycling media for his team's victories or for his controversial statements are not far away, but after the dissolution of Tinkoff Saxo in 2016 his professional career moved away from cycling in a radical way.

Although the origin of his fortune lies in a brewing business, Tinkov is the founder of Tinkoff Bank, Russia's third largest bank, so his position on any political issue in the country usually has quite an impact. And since the beginning of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the oligarch has been completely against the armed conflict.

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Now, from his social networks, he has announced that he is renouncing his Russian citizenship while continuing to show his rejection of the current government and urging other businessmen to follow his path.

"I have taken the decision to exit my Russian citizenship. I can’t and won’t be associated with a fascist country, that started a war with their peaceful neighbour and killing innnocent people daily. It is a shame for me to continue to hold this passport. I hope more prominent Russian businessmen will follow me, so it weakens Putin’s regime and his economy, and put him eventually to defeat. I hate Putin’s Russia, but love all Russians who are clearly against this crazy war!"

For its part, the UCI continues with its veto on teams sponsored by Russian companies or brands, although Russian cyclists are allowed to compete in races on their calendars as long as they do so under the colors of their teams and not those of the Russian federation.