Why are we taking a Russian? While they provided lift when we weren’t capable, they were not at war and hadn’t invaded a sovereign nation at that point.
Russian soccer clubs and national teams have been suspended from all competitions by Fifa and Uefa. Formula 1 has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Olympics governing body has now banned “all athletes, support personnel and officials from Russia and Belarus” from participation in “all World Athletics Series events for the foreseeable future, with immediate effect”. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) suspended “all Russian and Belarusian national teams and clubs from participation in every age category and in all IIHF competitions or events”. Heck even the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has suspended any athletes from Russia or Belarus from competing in events and has cancelled competitions due to be staged in those countries.
If you aren’t allowed to play competitive Badminton you shouldn’t be able to ride on our rockets. I am comfortable with that litmus test.