UK climber Shauna Coxsey heads the athletes' commission. Photo: Eddie Fowke/IFSC

The body in charge of competition climbing has pulled a planned world cup meeting in Moscow from its schedule, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The International Federation of Sport Climbing said it decided to suspend the speed climbing and bouldering event due to take place in the Russian capital at the beginning of April.

It took the decision after a series of consultative meetings with stakeholders and with the approval of the IFSC athletes’ commission.

A federation spokesperson said: “IFSC President Marco Scolaris held several meetings today.

“During his discussion with the Ukrainian Mountaineering and Climbing Federation, he expressed the solidarity of the IFSC and the entire climbing community with the people of Ukraine during this unprecedented crisis.

“President Scolaris added that he hoped the conflict in Ukraine would end quickly and peacefully without any further violence.”

The IFSC said it intends to relocate the event to another location, with an announcement to follow once a new host has been selected.