The mother of fencer Bida said that he wanted to resign from the Russian Guard

The mother of wanted Russian fencer Sergei Bida, Elena Grishina, said that before leaving for the United States, the athlete repeatedly tried to resign from the Russian Guard, but was denied. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs opened a criminal case against Mr. Bida and his wife Violetta for “unauthorized abandonment of duty.”

“My son and his wife went to Turkey to get a visa to the United States, since they could not do this in Moscow. At the same time, Sergei was going to the United States of America to have an operation. In Turkey, they also failed to obtain the necessary documents, but they said that they could be obtained in Belgrade. That’s why they went there, and only then to the USA,” she said RT Mrs. Grishina.

According to her, Sergei Bida flew to the United States solely for treatment. Elena Grishina said that her son has officially completed his sports career and is not going to change his citizenship to American. In the same competitions where the fencer takes part, he “performs exclusively for the club.”

Ministry of Internal Affairs earlier in December announced Russian fencers, Olympic and World Championship medalists Sergei and Violetta Bida are wanted on criminal charges. They moved to the USA in 2023. According to TASS, the athletes took part in the US Fencing Championship without the consent of the Russian side. Because of this, the senior coach of the men’s team of Russian fencers, Alexander Glazunov, lost his post. Sergei Bida is an active officer of the Russian National Guard, Violetta is an active service member. According to “RIA News”in Russia both face up to 10 years in prison for leaving their place of duty without permission.

Alexander Kislov