Ukrainian Esports Federation bans s1mple, zont1x, 12 Ukrainian players for fraternizing with Russians

The Ukrainian Esports Federation (UESF) have released a series of sweeping bans targeting Ukrainian players for playing with Russian players, playing for Russian organizations, and/or competing in events in the Russian Federation. The decision by the body, which represents Ukraine in a number of international esports competitions including the Esports Nations Cup (ENC), comes amidst the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war which began in February 2022 after Russia's unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The bans affect a number of high-profile Ukrainian players including Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev, Myroslav "zont1x" Plakhotia, and Danylo "s1zzi" Vinnyk, with players banned for political reasons facing six-month bans from representing the UESF or competing in their sanctioned competitions.

UESF's decision to ban 14 players for fraternizing with Russians has received a mixed reception online with some decrying the move as a politicization of esports while others, including Ukrainian commentator Oleksandr "petr1k" Petryk said the decision sends an important signal to player that they "should not be an asshole" if they want to represent Ukraine.

The hardening of hearts by Ukrainians to any fraternization with Russians come as the Russian government and military have killed thousands of civilians and caused trillions of dollars of damage to the nation over the previous four years of war.

Principally, many of those opposed to the bans are seemingly pushing back against any politicization of esports and punishing players who have nothing to do with the war, while supporters argue it is necessary to cut any links with Russia.

The UESF's sheet lists 14 players banned for fraternization with Russians, while a number of players have also been banned for cheating and matchfixing.

The list of players banned for fraternization (playing with Russians, traveling to Russia, or playing for Russian organizations) with Russians consist of:

• Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev (BC.Game)

• Vsevolod "s-chilla" Shchurov

• Oleh "baz" Kulynych

• Myroslav "zont1x" Plakhotia (Spirit)

• Danyyl "synyx" Mazur (ARCRED)

• Danylo "s1zzi" Vinnyk (B8)

• Vitalii "sFade8" Marushka (magic)

• Ruslan "Rulik" Tkhoryk

• / Danyyl "Sdaim" Tupov (Nemesis)

• / Bogdan "bodyaN" Goncharov

• Nikita "str Shasherin (White Tigers)

• Artem "flee" Hryhorenko (White Tigers)

• Denis "lif3" Kozhushko (White Tigers)

• Maxim "MUV" Ulyanchenko

Overall, the bans have a relatively minor impact as they only affect the limited number of events the UESF are directly involved with as a national federation. The one exception to that rule is the upcoming Saudi-led Esports Nations Cup (ENC), with the UESF saying players banned from representing Ukraine all in all events like the ENC.

With the Counter-Strike 2 tournament having an open qualifier process rather than a national selection, it is unknown if the UESF is able to enforce these bans in a way that is consistent with the ENC and Valve's rules. Dust2.us has reached out to the ENC for clarification.