Russian figure skater Veronika Zhilina has received permission to switch to the Azerbaijani national team.
Idman.Biz reports, citing "RIA Novosti," that the corresponding decision was made today at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Russian Figure Skating Federation (FFKKR).
It was stated that after the special documentation process is completed at the International Skating Union (ISU), the 18-year-old athlete will be able to officially represent Azerbaijan in international competitions.
Zhilina trains at the academy of two-time Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko. Veronika has not participated in competitions since the 2023/24 season.
Last year, Zhilina announced on social media that she had received an Azerbaijani passport and had applied to the ISU to compete for the Azerbaijani national team. However, the Russian side blocked the transfer, citing the fact that the funds spent on her training had not been fully reimbursed.
As a result, Zhilina was unable to compete for a spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics as part of the Azerbaijani national team.