Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete under their national flags at upcoming Paralympic events, following a vote by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to restore their full membership. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine, Nordic countries, and the United Kingdom.
The vote, held during the IPC General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, ended a partial suspension imposed on both countries in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Belarus, a key Russian ally, was also included in the ban.
Delegates from IPC member organisations voted by clear margins to reject motions for continued suspension. A proposal for a full suspension of Russia was defeated 111–55, and a similar motion against Belarus failed 119–48. Subsequent proposals for partial suspension were also voted down.
As a result, both countries now regain the right to participate in IPC-governed competitions under their national symbols, including the flag and anthem. They will be eligible to compete in the Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in March 2026, unless restricted by individual sporting federations.
Ukraine’s Minister of Youth and Sports Matviy Bidnyi condemned the outcome. “Those who voted for this decision betrayed their conscience and the Olympic values,” he said. “We urge our European partners, especially Italy as the host nation, not to allow the aggressor’s flag to be raised while the war continues.”
Bidnyi confirmed that Ukraine had engaged in discussions with Italian authorities and organisers. He said a final decision on Ukraine’s participation in the 2026 Games would be taken later. Under Ukrainian law, national teams are prohibited from competing at events where Russian or Belarusian athletes are officially represented under their flags.
The Russian Paralympic Committee welcomed the decision. In a statement, it called the move “fair” and “an important contribution to the development of the international Paralympic movement.” It said the vote reflected the principle that athletes should not face discrimination based on nationality or politics.
Despite the IPC vote, Russia and Belarus remain subject to restrictions in many sports. Each international federation retains the authority to determine eligibility criteria. In the Olympic movement, both countries continue to compete as neutrals without national symbols. Only 32 athletes from both nations were allowed to compete under neutral status at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
ParalympicsGB said it had supported the motion to maintain the suspension but respected the result. In a statement, the organisation expressed “solidarity with the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at NPC Ukraine.”
The British government called the decision “hugely disappointing.” A spokesperson said, “There should be no Russian or Belarusian state representation in international sport while the war continues. We urge the IPC to reflect on the message this sends.”
Nordic countries also reacted strongly. Sari Rautio, chair of Finland’s Paralympic Committee, said she was “deeply saddened” by the result. Sweden and Norway issued similar statements. Officials from all three countries stated that “nothing has changed” in relation to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
The decision also sparked concern among athletes and advocacy groups. Human rights organisations described the reinstatement as “a dangerous precedent” and questioned how the IPC’s stated commitment to peace and inclusivity aligns with allowing participation from nations engaged in armed aggression.
At the IPC vote, the main argument in favour of reinstatement centred on inclusivity and the rights of individual athletes. Some delegates argued that punishing athletes for the actions of their governments conflicted with Paralympic principles. Others noted that Russia had not competed under its own flag in the Paralympics since Sochi 2014, and had therefore “served enough time”.
The IPC stated that it would begin practical arrangements with Russia and Belarus to reintegrate them into IPC competitions. Russian and Belarusian athletes are currently competing at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi under neutral status.
The Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina 2026 are scheduled to include six sports and 79 medal events, with around 600 athletes expected to compete. Decisions by individual federations overseeing ice hockey, alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other disciplines could still limit the ability of Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate as national teams.
Ukraine’s position remains unchanged. “There is a war,” said Bidnyi. “Allowing Russia and Belarus to return under their flags sends the wrong signal. It normalises aggression and undermines the principles of international sport.”
HT
