The International Olympic Committee has released a statement ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The statement, published Wednesday, two days prior to the date of the Russian invasion, reads, "From the very beginning, starting with the ancient Olympic Games, our mission has always been to promote peace through sport. The IOC remains committed to this mission to unite the entire world in peaceful competition to this day."

It concedes that the Olympics cannot prevent wars and conflicts, nor address all the political and social challenges in the world.

But it says the Games "can set an example for a world where everyone respects the same rules and one another."

It says the Olympics "can open the door to dialogue and peace-building in ways that exclusion and division do not."

The statement expresses "unwavering solidarity" with Ukrainian athletes, who it says have "faced unspeakable hardship day after day."

It says the IOC has tripled its Solidarity Fund for Ukraine, so the country's athletes can "make their Olympic dream come true."

It adds that in addition to financial aid, Ukrainian athletes are also receiving logistical support so they can continue to take part in competitions.