Aussie ski star pulls out of Russia World Cups amid Ukraine conflict

An Australian skiing star has been praised for her decision to pull out of the World Cups in Russia amid the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Danielle Scott announced on Thursday night she would be leaving the country, having flown there after competing at the Beijing Winter Olympics.

'Decision has been made to leave Russia and not compete in the final World Cups,' the aerials skier said.

'I can't believe this is happening ... in the uniquely unifying power of sport, I wished so badly for this situation to be different.'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison applauded the 31-year-old's decision and called for Russia to lose the rights to hold international sporting events.

'Well done Danielle Scott for withdrawing from this event,' he tweeted.

'All international sporting events in Russia should have their authorisations withdrawn from all international sporting bodies - this includes the F1 Grand Prix in Sochi.' 

Scott had earlier said she was preparing for the World Cups after an unsuccessful campaign in Beijing. 

Aerial ski events in Russia will still go ahead this weekend as planned, the International Ski Federation confirmed.

Competitors in the ski cross will also participate, with many athletes having already touched down in the country. 

'The safety of the participants in all FIS World Cup events is a top priority,' the FIS said to insidethegames.

'FIS, together with all of the involved stakeholders, are carefully monitoring the escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

'Should there be any change to the current World Cup calendar as a result of the conflict, FIS will communicate the update immediately.'

Meanwhile there are calls the Russian Grand Prix scheduled for September be cancelled.

Formula 1 says it is 'closely