The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Azerbaijan has filed an official protest with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the use of the separatist-themed music titled "Artsakh" in the performance program of Armenian figure skaters at the XXV Winter Olympic Games.

According to Offsideplus.az, the NOC press service reported that the statement emphasizes how the term "Artsakh" reflects the ideological essence of Armenia's separatist policy directed against the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. It was noted that this move is in direct violation of the principle of keeping the Olympic Games free from politics, as well as the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter.

The NOC of Azerbaijan brought to the attention of IOC officials that using the sports platform for political purposes is unacceptable. Such instances significantly undermine the neutrality principle of the Olympic Movement and damage the atmosphere of peace and mutual trust in the region.

It should be noted that the duo of Nikita Rakhmanin and Karina Akopova used music titled "Artsakh," which carries political and separatist content, in their competition program.