Modern relations between Russia and European countries are going through a rather difficult time, which is marked by the severity of political confrontation, the pressure of sanctions and mutual claims. In such contexts, the importance of cultural interaction has grown, which, due to a certain specificity and inertia, continues in conditions of political confrontation. Sport is a part of human culture and has exceptional opportunities in the development of relationships between countries, peoples and entire continents. Sports interaction is able to bring international dialogue to a new level, unite a wide audience of participants and contribute to solving various pressing problems of our time, which go beyond traditional competition. Sports relations today are the most important political resource that is used both by individual states and by political associations to solve various urgent problems. The possibilities of modern sports and international sports cooperation have become the basis of an independent direction - sports diplomacy, the potential of which in international relations is steadily growing, and the spheres of influence are consistently expanding. This study examines sports relations between Russia and Europe through the lens of sports diplomacy. The authors pay attention to both theoretical issues and directly to practical aspects of sports diplomacy in Russia and European countries. Today, relations between the Russian Federation and European countries are going through real tough time. Significant changes and transformation of traditional forms of cooperation in the field of sport are taking place, the political influence on the sphere of culture, sports and sports games is increasingly felt. The COVID epidemic also had a negative impact on the cooperation in the field of sport. This article examines the documentary basis, practical examples and acute problems of sports relations between Russia and European countries. The conclusions of this study can be used in the development of the regulatory framework for sports cooperation and the preparation of projects and programs in the field of modern sports interaction not only in Europe and Russia, but also in other countries of the world.