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Ukraine issued a scathing condemnation on Wednesday following the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina.
This move by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) effectively dismantles the ban and neutrality requirements that were strictly enforced following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Sports Minister Matviy Bidny described the decision as “disappointing and outrageous,” arguing that these symbols have no place in a sporting arena dedicated to fairness and respect.
The policy shift allows six Russian athletes—competing in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding—and four Belarusian cross-country skiers to represent their countries officially rather than as neutral participants.
The IPC confirmed that these individuals would be “treated like those from any other country,” marking a total reversal of the organisation’s previous stance.
This follows a controversial general assembly vote in September, in which the IPC unexpectedly lifted the suspensions that had previously prevented these athletes from competing without national colours or anthems.
In a blunt social media post, Bidny accused the Russian regime of transforming Paralympic sports into a “tool of war” and a propaganda pillar.
He highlighted the grim reality that many of Russia’s current Paralympic hopefuls are soldiers who were sent by the Kremlin to kill in Ukraine, only to return with the very injuries and disabilities that now qualify them for the Games.
By allowing the Russian flag to fly, Bidny argued, the IPC is essentially validating a regime that treats the Paralympic movement as a rehabilitation and PR front for its military campaigns.
The decision has sent shockwaves through the international sporting community, as it deviates from the more restrictive “neutrality” models adopted by other major athletic federations.
While the IPC maintains that its mission is to remain apolitical and inclusive of all athletes, Ukraine and its allies contend that the presence of national flags is inherently political during an ongoing conflict.
As preparations for Milan-Cortina 2026 continue, the inclusion of these national symbols is expected to remain a volatile point of contention within the global sports landscape.
