Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that the non-participation of Russian athletes in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games would seriously damage the whole Olympic movement.

Axar.az reports citing Sputnik that, the Kremlin also denied the possibility of the Russian state being involved in doping use in sports, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

“There is currently a range of problematic topics on the agenda linked to doping use in sports which do not evidence in any way that these cases are linked to state support. On the other hand, Russia constantly says that there can be no state support of doping use, we categorically deny such possibility,” Peskov told reporters.

Kremlin Confirms Erdogan to Visit Russia Soon

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Russia.

"[A meeting] is being prepared rather soon. We are preparing the contacts of presidents [Vladimir] Putin and Erdogan. A meeting and Russia-Turkey talks will take place," Peskov told reporters adding that this would be a "regular working contact" of the presidents.