Zwift as a metaverse offers some nice perks compared to real world riding and running including time efficiency, a worldwide community, and a variety of scenic roads to choose from.
But Zwift isn’t entirely divorced from what’s happening IRL, either. And that has become very apparent in the past two weeks as Zwifters around the world grapple with Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine.
Here at Zwift Insider we’ve been receiving emails and reading comments from Zwifters asking Zwift, or the Zwift community, to better support Ukraine. Some of these are requests for Zwift to block/punish Russian users. We believe these comments are well-intentioned (people want peace) and accurately reflect community sentiment to varying degrees.
Zwift, for their part, are having lots of internal discussions about how to best handle this crisis.
In this post we’ll look at this topic from four angles:
- What Zwifters are doing in game on their own
- What Zwift is doing
- How sanctions are affecting Russian Zwifters
- Further ideas for positive action
What Zwifters Are Already Doing
Within hours of Russia’s invasion, Zwifters were changing their national flags in game to Ukraine’s. A simple show of solidarity that reflects what we’re seeing in the world at large, where Ukraine’s colors are decorating important buildings and showing up on social media profiles.
Some riders have done fundraising efforts, including this huge fundraising ride from Ema Lesiecka-Ennis to support UNICEF and assist those fleeing from Ukraine to her homeland of Poland and other countries.
Zwifters have changed their profile names to include #nowar, #supportukraine, or other phrases. And many Zwifters are now wearing the “Zwift Basic 4” kit, since it is made up of Ukrainian flag colors:
What Zwift Is Doing
Zwift has been holding “Global Solidarity Ride for Ukraine” events since the conflict began. See a list of upcoming events here. These rides are 40-60 minutes in length and meant to be at a social D pace. The events include this blurb in the description:
In order to support those displaced by the current conflict, Zwift has pledged $25k to support the efforts of The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Zwifters who would like to join the contribution may do so at http://www.unhcr.org
Is Zwift going to do more? We’ll have to wait and see. It’s clear from our talks with ZwiftHQ that this topic has been and is being discussed regularly.
[adinserter block=”1″]
How Russian Zwifters are Being Affected
Some Zwifters have suggested that Zwift should block all Russian users from the platform. This would be out of character for Zwift, and indeed Zwift’s Shuji replied in one forum topic:
“Hey all – we understand where these sentiments are coming from, but we need to be clear on the original request upstream.
We do not plan to ban Russian people from using Zwift. We do not ban Zwift members based on race, religion, sexual orientation or any other identity, including nationalities.”
We don’t foresee Zwift ever moving to proactively block Russian Zwifters (based on their selected flag in game, or their actual location).
But here’s the thing: economic sanctions already in place from the US and EU would seem to have effectively blocked Russians from making payments using VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Paypal. These are the only forms of payment Zwift accepts, which means Russian users will be placed into trial mode once their most recent monthly payment period ends.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that some riders flying Russian flags in Zwift have been subjected to harassment in game recently. Chances are, most of these riders don’t even live in Russia! And it’s quite possible that they disagree with the invasion of Ukraine, as most people with access to accurate information would.
Badgering users for their choice of flag would go against Zwift’s terms of service, and may get you into trouble if you’re reported for harassment. It’s probably best to channel your advocacy in other directions.
Further Ideas for Positive Action
What else can Zwifters do within the platform to advocate for Ukraine?
Many Zwifters have suggested a pro-Ukraine kit in game. This would be a welcome addition.
Holding fundraising rides for specific organizations serving Ukrainian refugees would also be welcome. And indeed, we’re seeing the first of these sorts of rides arriving, with the “Ride to Support Ukraine” this Saturday at 6am and 12pm PST (see events here). These rides will raise funds to help World Central Kitchen serve nourishing meals for those displaced by this war.
We would love to see additional fundraiser rides held, where the ride host explains what the receiving organization is doing to bring positive change in the Ukrainian crisis. Show us what you can do, Zwift community!
Your Thoughts
Post below!
Nice touch Eric. Good explanation of Zwifts problems with this crisis.
Re a Ukraine Kit…. I use the Perks kit which is yellow and blue split horizontal.
This one is good too
We are wearing that kit (Tour of Innsbruck) during the Rides to Support Ukraine this Saturday at 6 am and 12 pm PST (2 pm and 8 pm UTC).
is there any unlock code, or was is a jersey unlock ride?
Neither, since this kit was a reward kit for the Tour of Innsbruck, Zwift let us wear this kit during these charity events without an unlock.
I also use the peaks kit. You can also put the 🇺🇦 emoji in your name by going to the emojipedia website https://emojipedia.org/flag-ukraine/
Great post, Eric. I totally agree that individual Russians should not be barred from Zwift. As you say, individuals can’t be held account for their government’s actions and they may well disagree with the invasion.
As for abusing Russian riders, that is totally abhorrent.
Now more than ever is a time to be building bridges.
definitely should not ban Russians, just because the government is bad doesn’t mean the people are bad
the government is what these people chose, the same Russians
When I was around 6, I expressed surprise that folks in the Soviet Union voted. My father explained: “They vote… They go vote ‘yes.'”
That’s how things work in some parts of the world. Or at least that’s how the count is reported.
Sorry to bring politics into the forum but at 67 I have lived through the Cold War.
Yes Russians vote for their government. The difference is there is only one candidate and there are some who vote for that person. Whether you vote or not they still win even if only one person votes. When they are elected they can change the constitution to favour themselves, that is how Putin did it and the general population had no say in the matter.
I’m from Poland so I know that and I know how it was in Poland – the same. Ukrain was in the Soviet Union so this dres not justify Russians, especially since many of them believe putin and see no harm to Ukraine
Are you aware that Russia has no-term limit presidency? People have zero power to choose new dictator. Same goes for Chinese Communist Party.
Nope. I’m currently represented by a government that I didn’t vote for. Downside of even a good democracy is that more people can vote for the other candidates and still end up with the one they didn’t vote for.
Zwift is a wonderful and welcoming environment! Let’s lead by example and show how positive actions and attitudes can help change the world!
Lots of international companies are withdrawing from Russia and in some ways it would be nice if Zwift would. With all the payment providers blocking Russian payments it’s removed the need for Zwift to make a decision to withdraw their services from Russia which is a bit like sitting on the fence.
Victimising Russian Zwifters is idiotic, everyday Russians are as much Putin victims as much as the Ukrainians are, I doubt many oligarchs are Zwifters
Seriously. Don’t hold the actions of the Russian leaders and government against the people. It wasn’t their doing and most of them probably don’t support it.
Sincerely, an American who lived abroad during most of the Bush Jr. administration.
and honestly we all (mostly) have the luxury of being detached from the real consequences of this war – what right does someone have to dive into this situation and create even more hostility and resentment just to satisfy their own ego. Now more than ever a time to build bridges.
Not quite ‘as much’ in general as being invaded.
It’s right there’s concern and solidarity with a population under invasion, and better still if that moral standard is consistently applied. I note that politics is usually banned from sporting arenas, and especially strictly when it comes to expressions of sympathy for those countries Western countries or allies are invading, occupying or bombing. There’s still a few of those at the moment, to say nothing of what we in the US/UK have done in the past 20 years. Unfortunately the rest of the world didn’t sanction coalition countries for their illegal invasion of Iraq.
sadly I think its mainly only banned from the sporting arena for fear of sponsor impact or because a governing body (IOC/FIFA/UCI) is itself riven with uncomfortable figures and relationships that nobody there wants people to think about too much
Good article. True, I was in stage 1 of TDW yesterday when someone posted, “Hey I just passed someone from Russia, should I push him over”. Someone else (with more oxygen in their brain than i had) quickly said, “It’s not the people, it’s the politicians and politics”
As a Canadian who just witnessed our government imposing authoritarian actions against an extremely peaceful and lawful protest against mandates (not what the mainstream media reported) it is important to remember that nationality does not reflect what the current government of any country portrays as a national opinion. I would much rather that platforms like Zwift drop ALL special interest promotions. It doesn’t mean that said groups could not organize rides and events (following proper protocols) but that Zwift remain neutral on all matters. There are always 2 sides to every story and media need to remain neutral and not push political agendas
“lawful protest ”
LOL. The protestors had plenty of room to make their views known lawfully. Blockading city streets for weeks is not “lawful”.
(I know I just finished saying “people should keep politics out of these forums” but I simply could not let such arrant nonsense pass unchallenged).
The tell is “extremely peaceful”.
Lol @Grant Boyden who 1) brought up the ridiculous convoy protests in Canada in the same thread as the Ukraine situation, 2) is clearly clueless and in the minority about the “freedom convoy”. Geez bud, wearing a mask is so hard… I don’t understand how any Canadian who supported the freedom convoy protest can look at the situation in Ukraine and not realise that we are so incredibly fortunate here in Canada. Sorry about getting political but I feel like for every pro convoy post we need a dozen rational posts to better reflect the demographics of our country.
Grant, don’t compare the ridiculous “freedom convoy” with what is happening in Ukraine.
I love it when the “two sides to every story” line gets trotted out, as if both sides are equally valid.
”We’ve just spoken to these nine engineers who say this bridge is going to collapse when the next truck drives across it. But just so we can remain ‘neutral’ and give both sides of the story, we’re going to speak to Dave, who says there’s nothing to worry about…”
So Russian based Zwifters can no longer buy Apple products, Starbucks, or many other Western products and services, yet they should still be allowed to ride or run on Zwift providing they can pay? That’s simply wrong.
Running is free.
I completely agree. Very limp response by Zwift, vicariously ’supporting’ sanctions but only through third party payment providers. Well that’s okay then – not!
Sanctions only work if everyone gets on board. Zwift will lose this NA customer if they don’t change their stance.
I totally agree. Granted the Russian people may not agree with the government but they have responsibility for their actions. Truly the only thing that changes the course is social pressure. When the Russian people discover that they are on the outside looking in they will be forced to change the status quo. One must take a stance on what is right or worng
Could Zwift be used to inform Russian and Chinese citizens of what is actually going on in Ukraine?
I have sent comments out in ride supporting Ukraine and get bombarded with ” it’s not true… it’s fake media” type comments from Russia and China flag users. Apparently us in the West are the ones being lied to!! Rich coming from countries with state controlled propagandic media and imprisonment if you say anything other than the government line. First casualty of war is the truth.
Just my 2 cents, but I think, in general, that people should keep their political views out of video games and other hobby forums. I, too, have strongly held views on this subject (and many others) but nobody in Zwift needs to hear them. I imagine people are riding around this little virtual world so that they can forget about this stuff for a while, I certainly am. There are plenty of forums where political discussion and advocacy should be expected but Zwift isn’t one of them.
You can’t stop the conversation pal. But you can turn off the comments
You’re right, I can’t stop the conversation. Fair point. I just think that Zwifting in-game is not a “general purpose social media app” like Facebook, Twitter, etc and it shouldn’t be used as one. There’s a reason that talking about politics and religion is considered impolite in mixed company.
Maybe it’s just me but I do spend a lot of time talking about politics on social media and I’m no stranger to it, but I come to Zwift to *get away* from Twitter, not to just continue that conversation in Watopia too. I remember going on Zwift and everyone was arguing about Trump and I’m like “good grief I can’t get away from that guy even in here!”
You’re right I could just turn off the comments, but it’s too bad I would have to do that….when I Zwift I want to see people from around the world making jokes about how sore their legs are, encouraging either other in their riding, etc. Stuff that unites us all. I don’t want to hear about all the stuff that we disagree on that makes us angry, I have the rest of my day to engage with that.
I get where you’re coming from. I’d rather not hear about politics and whatnot when I’m on Zwift, but If it doesn’t violate Zwift’s TOS it’s fair game. If it gets annoying enough (and it usually doesn’t), I just turn off the UI. It’d be nice if they gave us the option to mute chat but keep the rest of the UI on.
The option to hide chat is there. It’s under Settings, Show Group-Chat.
One can also use the “Hide the Display View” by pressing the H key.
The truth is a casualty of our current society so we all better step up in every forum and walk of life to preserve it. The only access to the truth for some of our Russian and Chinese friends may be through this forum. It may be uncomfortable but the war I am watching seems far more uncomfortable.
The idea of sanctions is to develop internal pressure on the Russian government. To this end, sitting on the fence is unhelpful. Unfortunate for the Russian people, but necessary as part of a wider effort to generate change (as per apple etc). Zwift should withdraw, as should all multinationals.
Sanctions historically have battered the working class of a country and done little to effect meaningful change.
Noticed a whole slew of Ukrainian flags on a pace-partner ride the other day. It was pretty cool to see, but I always get leery of leaning in to Facebook activism (fully aware of my own FB profile pic) because of how it can be misused against others. I was also quite surprised to see Russian flags in game, though. I kinda wondered if maybe Zwift should turn off flags for everyone. I know it’s opt-in data, so not technically a GDPR violation, but it hews darn close to being PII and it very obviously exposes certain users to risk of harassment.
Loving all the xenophobia in the comments here. Same people were probably harassing people that looked Chinese when the pandemic started.
Zwift could, and should, follow the IOC’s example and bar the Russian flag in-game. People identifying as Russian could ride under something else as they did at the Olympics.
If anyone wants to sponsor Ema’s 1,000km ride you can do so here:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ema-lesiecka-ennis3?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=ema-lesiecka-ennis3&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp&utm_term=d0411167cb5640389be8a11a0412a8fc
Thank you!
BEST and MOST PRODUCTIVE COMMENT by far!
One thing for sure is .. if Zwift pulls out of Russia it won’t make one iota of a difference, short of making a very bold statement against the war. I can go on forever about Putin and his propensity to use biological weapons and nukes (which he will), but this is the wrong platform, “methinks”
This isn’t about swift discriminating against anyone for the reasons you mention. This is about a world effort to punish Russia , for its war atrocities. This is a crime against humanity. Citizens of Russia may not be directly involved, but, they are in Russia and their silence or inaction to stop their government is being part of the problem!
I will be cancelling my Zwift membership unless you do take action. The more ‘suffering’ the people of Russia feel from these indirect efforts, will hopefully wake them up to the problem of their war machine.
Unfortunately Zwift is sitting on the fence here, looking away, pretending that nothing is happening and there is no reason to react.
It’s another PR disaster from Zwift (we all remember #freeluciano debacle) and the fact that Eric needs to publish a piece to explain why Zwift is doing nothing is just sad.
Look at RGT, at least they have created Ukraine support jersey. It’s the least that Zwift should do.
I’m not asking for ban for Russians, but it’s just painful to be riding in a group next to people proudly displaying Russian flag. Don’t be fooled, these are not poor, innocent people that don’t support Putin. These are the upper middle class citizens with ongoing internet access or Russians living abroad. They carry on riding with the Russian flag to DEMONSTRATE their support for Putin’s actions. This should not be allowed.
I’m russian and I guess that isn’t popular nation now, but you really haven’t recon situation with supporting putin’s invasion by russians.. That is sad but I have to admit that at least one of three russians supports that madness. Almost all of them are elderly or poor, less educated people, who are watching TV instead of riding bikes in zwift. I don’t support any war as almost all russian cyclists I know. Russian flag next to my name in zwift doesn’t mean that I support this war. That just mean that I live in russia.
Well Vitaly you probably have a better grasp on the average Russian Joe’s perception of this invasion than I do. I have to say, I really liked when there was a Russian rider who changed her name to “Stop the War” during the large group ride. I really didn’t mind her riding with Russian flag – the message was clear enough.
I still think that Zwifts indifference is yet another evidence of company’s poor moral judgement. They had a few mishaps like this recently. There is a chance that this repeated offending will create a critical mass of disgruntled users who are likely to look elsewhere for less business-centered, ‘evil’ experience.
I see your point and for me its easy to do next time I will ride in zwift if my subscription doesn’t expire first. Anyway, russian riders won’t bother cycling society again because we just won’t have any way to pay for subscription). And some haters can be satisfied – strava blocked access for russian accounts last night. All the sanctions against the state affects me more than blocking strava. I’m not happy at all but it’s understandable. Stava’s decision looks like “No dogs and russians”. And even if I definitely disagree with how my country acts in Ukraine, It makes me feel that in a future It’s better don’t rely on any foreign services.
you can fly any flag from any place.
I meant to add, I truly believe virtually everyone living in Russia, like us, are nice peaceful people. Its the radical few that are always the problem. And their problem is their government. The Zwifters from Russia.,. I have no doubt are as nice and amicable as we all are, and love cycling, and life. The point is, we cannot make change, they have to.
Actually many support Putin and the war but are being given false information
A simple measure would be that Zwift releases a specific jersey with the colors of Ukraine (including a text like “peace in Ukraine”). By doing so, I believe that the few Russian Zwifters would see that the whole world is critical of the Russian attack (and if they themselves are opponents of Putin, they would feel supported).
Eric, 100% correct! We cannot punish the Russian people who have no control over what their government says or does.
We are a biking community who advocates respect and comrade with anyone who chooses to be apart of that awesome community.
If we all could, the most important thing we could do is help the Russian Zwift community pay for their Zwift monthy subscription to show they are not alone and isolated, only their government is!
Michael
Had to smirk to myself today on Tour of Watopia stage 1 ride. Caught a rider who was Russian with his flag. Rode along next to him for half the first lap as I was displaying the Ukraine flag.
I then powered away from him on the reverse Kom climb.
Didn’t need to say anything about the conflict or call him names etc.
The only people who should be banned are Putin and his inner circle but something makes me think they’re maybe not on Zwift!
For those with Tron bikes, setting the colour to yellow and riding with the most blue kit you have in your garage gives the Ukranian flag colours to show support. Can also be done with frames with colour sliders although perhaps not as visible. But a mass of blue riders on yellow trons would make quite a statement of support.
Not all Russians are Putin, If did not get the support or sympathy of Ukranians, lets be polite. 🚜🇺🇦
I wouldn’t mind seeing the ‘Z’ come off the back of the bibs during the Tour of Watopia. We all know it stands for Zwift but the Z has also taken a different meaning over the last couple weeks.
Shame on you Zwift. It’s time to act, not to hesitate. This is not a political issue, it’s a humanitarian issue.
Russia need to be ostracized by the civilized world. Everyone has that responsability. I will cancel my subscription. I’m very disapointed with you guys.
Fuck Putin.
Very sensible! Perhaps Zwift could look into donating the Russians’ membership money back to the crisis.
I have to respectfully disagree with Eric on this one. Plenty of huge multinationals have temporarily halted their business ventures in Russia. McDonald’s, IKEA, VISA are just a few examples. That Zwift continues to provide a service in Russia, to Russian nationals, when Ukrainian nationals are fleeing or figthing for their lives is distasteful to me.
For those of us living in Europe the threat is very real and sanctions are one way of trying to effect change, The sanctions against apartheid ZA were by no means a perfect solution to a horrible problem, but they did send a powerful message to people in and outside of the country. The way Zwift are arguing they would have allowed apartheid-era South African members on the basis that Zwift does not ban people based on their nationality. It’s weak in my opinion.
What are you disagreeing with me about, exactly?
Sorry Eric,
I misread your article. What I saw was an opinion piece that wasn’t really one. Sorry about that!
My problem is with the way Zwift are handling the issue.
Thank you for this informative and insightful post, Eric!
So why do we look at the world so one-sidedly – when Russia liberates the Ukrainian people from nationalists and the fascist threat, we – that is, you forget about the sea of blood that the “democratic” United States – Libya- Syria – staged a war in Georgia – about the attempted military coup of nationalists in Kazakhstan? about the massacre in Avganistan – is this what you are promoting in Ukraine ? pushing the situation to the Third World War 🙁 – wake up … and sport has nothing to do with it : ( – sport is out of politics !!! and these pathetic flirtations are shameful for developed humanity – sincerely sorry for you : (if you believe in “such” democracy :), and Russia paid 40 million lives in World War II – and our national duty is to prevent FASCISM from entering the modern world!
Going to change my flag to Russian in order to support russian cyclists.
🚨❗️PEOPLE NEED TO WAKE UP KLAXON❗️🚨
It is actually Russia who brings the fascism to the modern world, while saying they fight it. It’s the country where Stalin is still officially praised, isn’t it? Georgia and Syria, of the countries you mentioned suffer from Russia.
I personally support ban on Russians. We need to remember, Putin’s popularity in Russia skyrocketed after a carnage in Grozny. Annexation of the Crimea was also very welcomed there. And now they are victims of the regime, because there was not an easy win and the West reacted. Sure, there are individual Russians who are against this war and I highly respect a lot those who protest there, knowing the price. I would not dare. There are also these, who repeat Kremlin propaganda. In a mass, Russians are part of the situation in my perception.
And last note, the Soviet Union loses in WW2 are estimated to 26mil (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_casualties). But Russians are half of that. If you sort the Soviet republics table by percentage of the population, you find out, Belarus with 25% and Ukraine with 16% lost noticeably more than Russia (13%).
not sure if this has been pointed out to you through your chosen news channels but generally speaking liberating people via. cluster bomb attacks whilst they sit in their homes has a very poor track record of success
I know your media is very controlled but you actually believe this fascism line of BS? Being told it as a cover up is one thing but actually believing it is another. I don’t see how anyone could look at Zelensky and think ‘fascist’.
Hi Eric! Maybe Zwift should design a #supportukraine kit that Zwifters can purchase–any $ raised would go to their fundraising for UN Refugee Agency.
Great Idea!
In case it matters to anyone. I am Ukrainian and I am against banning Russian riders. I believe all of us are cyclist first here. However, it doesn’t come easy as officially 2/3 of all Russians support current regime
I put FCKPTN in my name tag and Zwift deleted it and sent me an email threatening to shadow ban me. So there’s that!
But yeah FCKPTN!
My new license plate. 😉 Thanks!
That’s interesting. I was able to use name “Fred Uckputin” no problem. My wife made me change it cuz she was afraid I might get assassinated. So I changed it to “_ Phukpootn”.
well written. I am also waiting for a kit especially to support Ukraine. Zwift can replace Russian flags, just like at the Olympics, with neutral ones? the sight of the Russian flag stresses me a lot, I would like to be able to hide all zwifters that identify with Russia
peace in Ukraine
You don’t punish the people for the actions of its leaders. Russians are paddling down the same $#i! creek the rest of us are, lost in a world gone mad and torn asunder by our evil overlords.
Yes, you don’t punish the people for the actions of its leaders. But the people should become active (as we did 1989…). Nobody can help the Russian people, if they accept or support Putin’s war.
Oh brother… The comment section is rough on this one. WAY too political with way too many opinions.
Support Ukrainian also means support nazis!
??? Have no idea what you mean?
well that’s a load of bollocks. the only Nazis in Ukraine have ‘Z’ on their vehicles
While I don’t support any war nor other kind of aggression, denying reality will get us nowhere. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azov_Battalion
This conflict is far more complicated than “Russians bad, Ukrainians good” and of course, we, the west, are always on the right side.
If folks want to donate directly for Ukraine emergency response, my Ukrainian friends suggest this organization: https://razomforukraine.org/
It would be great if all Tron bike owners changed their bike colour to Blue or Yellow. I have mentioned this on group rides with Dax and Coco and had some positive feedback.
A great show of support when you get a pace line of Tron bikes in the Ukrainian colours.
How about a kit with a peace sign? For this and future conflicts.
Thanks Zwift to make the difference between people and their government…
Relieved to see that Zwift do not discriminate anyone and that sport remains a protected place for the good of all.
Hej. har problemer med de unge der har kørt zwift i vinters de kommer ned i klubbe uden styrthjelmmel for det bruger man jo ikke til løb i swift
A Ukrainian kit please ASAP
We should keep sports away from politics. Keeping Zwift free from it is the right way forward. The Russia/Ukraine conflict should not be seen at surface level i.e. Russia invaded Ukraine. There are so many invasions happening around the world for the past 20 years where a country invaded another country. Did we take similar stand to support the Iraqis, Syrians, Libyans, Afghans, etc. We have to be consistent with our sympathy. Not that I agree with war but we must be pragmatic and not judgmental or bias.
We have to be judgemental on this matter. And of course I am biased when it comes to freedom and human rights. Also don’t forget that it is Russia that does not keep politics out of sport. International sports competitons are a highly political issue in Russia. I agree that our sympathy with Ukrainians is much bigger than with people in Syria etc. But this is a different kind of agressive war and there is no reason to limit our sympathy with Ukrainians only because we could have done better with other people.
Would love a specific kit. Best I can come up with out of my selection of gear is a Black Sheep jersey, yellow socks, the Mavic shoes and yellow Tron.
Same:
If I’m Russian, for example, I’m sorry Ukrainian Zwifter in a situation where I can’t play in the war. Refrain from playing Zwift and remove the flag yourself. At least you should be able to take some action. Russians who are Zwift without thinking are inevitably subject to sanctions.
Let’s be supportive of Ukrainians without being indiscriminately anti-Russian. I would love to see every Zwifter change their flag to the yellow and blue 🇺🇦 In support of Ukraine. No nasty comments, just a sea of visible support. This will demonstrate support for the people of Ukraine without attacking individual Russians who may oppose this invasion and already be doing what they can to stop the violence. Someone else here also had a great suggestion that Zwift redirect the subscription fees of all Russian riders to support the humanitarian efforts on behalf of Ukrainians. This is a great idea since there will be a long term need and it allows Russians to indirectly support these efforts (whether they want to or not). 🙂👍🇺🇦
This conflict is a serious thing affecting lots of people.
I think Zwift’s response is very well reasoned and appropriate to the situation as penalizing the general population people of Russia would likely not have any impact at all on any of the conflict’s decision-making people in Russia.
I feel for the people in any country who are forced to suffer from the decisions of their leaders – particularly when that suffering looks to be unnecessary or avoidable.