Russia's anti-doping agency RUSADA signed an agreement with the British Anti-Doping (UKAD) on Feb. 1, outlining cooperation with drug-testing programs in Russia until RUSADA returns to its former status, Russian Sports Ministry spokespeople told the TASS news agency.
"In compliance with an agreement with the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA), RUSADA and UKAD will be responsible for planning the testing of Russian athletes," Natalia Zhelanova, an aide to the Russian sports minister, told TASS.
Zhelanova added that the two nations will also make a joint decision over which laboratories are used to investigate doping.
She also confirmed that the agreement was only for a limited period of time, until RUSADA's former status is reinstated,. It was found non-compliant by WADA for "routinely" violating international testing standards.
The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) temporarily suspended Russia in November after a report published by a WADA independent commission found evidence of state-sponsored doping.
Russia is aiming to recover its membership with IAAF in time for its track and field athletes to compete at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games this summer.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.