The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that it is looking for ways to reinstate athletes from the two countries to sporting competition, despite recommending a ban on them following the invasion of Ukraine last year.

"Latvia's position is that if these Games were held now and they provided for the participation of both Russian and Belarusian athletes, I think the Latvian team would not go to these Games," Tikmers told Delfi.

"We hope that the war will end, Ukraine will win it, there will be a completely new situation and new rules of the game.

"Latvian athletes will then, of course, be able to participate in such Olympic Games."

The LOK plans to invite Latvian sports federations to appeal to International Federations urging them not to allow Russians and Belarusians to participate in Olympic qualifiers.

The IOC's change of stance was met with fury in Ukraine.

The country's Sports Minister Vadym Huttsait said the possibility of Russia and Belarus competing, as neutrals or not, was unacceptable.

He claims that at least 220 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have died in the war.

Huttsait claimed that Ukraine would also consider a boycott following an Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) plan to allow Russia and Belarus to compete in qualifying events in the country.

The OCA has confirmed its readiness to welcome athletes from the two nations after the IOC opened the door for their return under "strict conditions" of neutrality.

OCA Acting President Randhir Singh announced that the body is working with the IOC and International Federations to create a qualification pathway for competitors from Russia and Belarus without losing quota spots already in place for Asian athletes.

Leading officials in Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Norway have also castigated the IOC for its decision to consider reinstating Russia and Belarus.