Olympic officials set aside $300,000 for Ukrainian athletes

Olympic officials have set aside $300,000 to help Ukrainian athletes continue training and competing amid political upheaval in their country.

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, said the athletes’ situation has “dramatically deteriorated” since the recent Sochi Winter Games.

“The IOC is following the political, economic and social developments in Ukraine with the greatest attention and growing concern,” Bach said.

The country’s political tensions have led to widespread violence between pro-Russia separatists and government forces. Diplomatic efforts to ease the situation have so far failed.

The IOC money is to be disbursed to athletes through the country’s Olympic committee.