Russia out of skating events as sporting sanctions bite

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Russia has been excluded from all international ice skating events as sporting sanctions continue to mount following the invasion of Ukraine. The International Skating Union’s decision pushes Russia out of another sport which is hugely popular at home. The ISU says no athletes from Russia or its ally Belarus “shall be invited or allowed to participate” in its events until further notice. Russian competitors and teams have also been barred from international competitions in sports including soccer, ice hockey and rugby. The moves are backed by the International Olympic Committee.