Ukraine has remained under attack from Russia with the support of its military ally Belarus since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of the country in February last year.

Capralos said he was looking forward to seeing the Ukrainian athletes participating at the European Games and expects them to receive a big ovation at the Opening Ceremony.

"Of course, there are going to be lots of Ukrainians, not only competing in the Games but we will also have many Ukrainians in the stands," Capralos told insidethegames.

"I think the people in the crowd from wherever they are in Europe will be cheering for the Ukrainian team.

"I am sure there is going to be a standing ovation when the Ukrainian flag and athletes enter the stadium at the Opening Ceremony.

"I think it will be a boost in the morale for the people of Ukraine who are suffering a lot and I think it will show the unity of Europe."

The EOC has provided support to Ukraine in response to the war and has barred Russian and Belarusian athletes from taking part at Kraków-Małopolska 2023.

"Up until now 160 athletes from Ukraine have got their qualification place and we expect the team to be over 200 athletes at Games-time," said Capralos.

"This is as a result of the efforts that we have done in solidarity, not only from the EOC that has provided financial assistance but also the National Olympic Committees throughout Europe who have offered training and provided financial support to the athletes and coaches from Ukraine during this difficult year."

Poland has become home to more than two million refugees from Ukraine since the invasion more than a year ago.

The Flame of Peace Lighting Ceremony was staged in Italian capital Rome yesterday where Polish President Andrzej Duda hailed the EOC for barring athletes from Russia and Belarus from the European Games.

Duda said he would be able to tell Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the event would be staged in "peace and calm" following the exclusion of competitors from Russia and Belarus when he meets him in Poland tomorrow.

Kraków-Małopolska 2023 President Marcin Nowak also welcomed the move and said he expected Ukrainian fans to pack the stands during the Games, scheduled to be staged from June 21 to July 2.

"Of course, it will be difficult for Ukraine as we know that many of the athletes are fighting against the aggression," Nowak told insidethegames.

"They are our neighbour and we are trying to help them as much as we can.

"The ticket selling process is starting so we are expecting a number of people from Ukraine.

"Even in the pre-booking system we can see that many people from Ukraine want to be a spectator and watch our Games because of the Ukrainian athletes.

"Our decision to not involve Russia and Belarus is a great sign for all sports in Europe that we cannot agree with any aggression."