The potential of the post-Soviet region for the development of Russia's sports diplomacy in the context of the politicization of sports

The current state of world sports is characterized by increasing politicization and the introduction of unfair restrictions on Russian athletes. The situation highlights the problem of transforming the mechanisms of Russia's sports diplomacy in the context of foreign policy restrictions and partial isolation from traditional international sports structures. There is a need to seek new formats of interaction that not only allow for the preservation of the competitiveness of domestic sports but also support international social connections. The post-Soviet space takes on special significance in this process, capable of serving as a supportive platform for maintaining and expanding Russia's international sports interactions. The goal of the research is to identify the potential of the post-Soviet region for the development of Russia's sports diplomacy under restrictions, as well as to analyze their role in shaping new formats of international sports cooperation. The study employs methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as comparative and systemic approaches to examining contemporary international sports processes. Particular attention is given to the analysis of the practice of holding alternative international competitions involving Russia and the countries of the post-Soviet space. It has been established that, in the context of restricted access to traditional international competitions, Russia is actively developing alternative formats for sports interaction, among which key positions are held by the Commonwealth of Independent States Games and other initiatives involving post-Soviet states. It has been proven that these formats contribute to the maintenance of competitive practice, the strengthening of social ties, and the establishment of new channels for international dialogue. It has been identified that the post-Soviet space acts not only as a region of cooperation but also as a basis for developing an alternative model of sports diplomacy oriented toward the principles of equality and depoliticization of sport. It has been concluded that the countries of the post-Soviet space play a strategic role in adapting Russian sports diplomacy to contemporary challenges.