The International Paralympic Committee has upheld its decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to allow participation in the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. This decision has triggered immediate opposition from Ukraine, which has announced a boycott of the opening ceremony. The Polish Paralympic Committee has joined the protest, announcing consultations with Kyiv. IPC President Andrew Parsons appeals for sport not to be politicized, though he acknowledges the committee will respect the decision of Ukrainian athletes.

Russia and Belarus return

The IPC upheld its decision to allow athletes from these countries to compete in the Games under a neutral flag.

Ukrainian ceremony boycott

The Ukrainian team has officially announced it will not participate in the Games' opening ceremony as a form of protest.

Polish solidarity

The Polish Paralympic Committee announced close cooperation with Ukraine to develop a common position.

Neutrality according to IPC

Chairman Andrew Parsons defends the decision, appealing for the separation of politics from the sporting competition of people with disabilities.

The International Paralympic Committee's decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete has led to the most serious image crisis ahead of the upcoming 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. Despite numerous protests from European countries, including Poland and Ukraine, the IPC upheld its controversial decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own national flags and state symbols. The body's argument is the desire to separate politics from the sporting competition of people with disabilities. Since 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, the teams from Russia and Belarus have been systematically excluded from most global sporting events, and the process of their return to Olympic and Paralympic competition is causing extreme emotions in the international community.In response to this decision, Ukraine has officially announced a boycott of the Games' opening ceremony. The Polish Paralympic Committee has expressed solidarity with this stance, pointing to the necessity of diplomatic consultations. Andrew Parsons, Chairman of the IPC, emphasized in recent statements that while the organization strives for inclusivity, it accepts the right of every national delegation to express its opposition through absence during the opening ceremonies. At the same time, he noted that excluding athletes based on their passport would be discrimination. The situation remains tense as more countries are considering forms of protest that would not directly target the para-athletes themselves but would demonstrate opposition to the committee's decision. A boycott of the opening ceremony is a symbolic move with significant media impact, intended to remind the international community of the ongoing armed conflict. „We will be happy if all committees take part in the opening ceremony, but we will respect Ukraine's decision if they decide not to participate.” — Andrew Parsons Support for admitting Russians and Belarusians according to IPC vote: In favor of admission: 74, Against: 65, Abstained: 132026 — year of the Winter Games affected by the crisis

Mentioned People

  • Andrew Parsons — President of the International Paralympic Committee, defending the neutrality of sport.