LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- IOC President Thomas Bach has expressed "growing concern" at political developments in Ukraine and given $300,000 to help its athletes.
Bach says in a statement that "the situation of Ukrainian athletes ... has dramatically deteriorated."
The emergency fund will be used for "Ukrainian athletes, through the Ukraine (Olympic Committee), for training and competition purposes."
Bach say the IOC "is following the political, economic and social developments in Ukraine with the greatest attention and growing concern."
Tension between Ukraine and Russia has increased since the Sochi Olympics in February.
Bach says "I repeat my appeal of Sochi to all political leaders involved to enter into a summit dialogue in the Olympic spirit of mutual respect and peace."
