Poland and Ukraine have decided to boycott the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. This gesture is a protest against allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, even under a neutral flag. More countries are joining the boycott, although European powers such as France have announced their participation in the ceremonies despite the controversy surrounding the presence of the aggressors.

Polish-Ukrainian boycott

Both countries have officially refused to participate in the Games' opening ceremony in protest against allowing Russians to compete.

France chooses participation

Despite the presence of Russians, the French delegation will attend the opening, emphasizing the unity of sport.

Investments in Warsaw

The government announced the construction of a modern ice rink, which is to strengthen Poland's chances of hosting the Olympic Games.

The International Paralympic Committee's decision to reinstate Russian and Belarusian athletes has caused a deep rift in world sport. Poland, one of the loudest critics of this policy, has officially confirmed that its delegation will not participate in the opening ceremony of the Games in Milan. The Ministry of Sport and Tourism emphasized that this is an expression of solidarity with Ukraine, which will also boycott the event. More countries, including Baltic and Scandinavian nations, are considering similar steps, putting the organizers in a difficult public relations situation. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, world sports federations have adopted varied approaches to sanctions, balancing between excluding the aggressors and the idea of sport neutrality promoted by the IOC.Russia's reaction to the Polish boycott was immediate and full of aggressive rhetoric. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, mockingly commented on Warsaw's decision, suggesting that without Poles, "the air will be cleaner." Simultaneously, Russian media and politicians attacked Polish speed skater Vladimir Semirunnii, who expressed a desire to change his surname and distance himself from his Russian roots. This situation further strains the already tense relations between Warsaw and Moscow, directly transferring the diplomatic conflict onto Olympic ground. 2026 — year of the Winter Paralympic Games in ItalyWhile the Eastern bloc and Nordic countries flex their muscles, France announced it does not intend to boycott the ceremony. Paris argues that the Games should remain a space for unity and that boycotts primarily harm the athletes themselves. This stance is controversial, especially in the context of France's upcoming organization of the Winter Games in the Alps in 2030. Meanwhile, in Poland, despite the tense international situation, intensive infrastructure investments are ongoing. In Warsaw, the construction of a modern, year-round ice rink was announced, which is to be a key element in preparations for future championship events. The ministry co-financed the project with tens of millions of zlotys, which experts interpret as part of a long-term strategy to bid for hosting the Summer Olympic Games in Poland. „Это отличная новость. Воздух на церемонии открытия будет немного чище без вас.” — Maria Zakharova

Mentioned People

  • Maria Zacharowa — Spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known for controversial statements directed at Poland.
  • Władimir Semirunnij — Speed skater who became the target of attacks in Russia after reports of plans to change his surname.
  • Radosław Piesiewicz — President of the Polish Olympic Committee, a central figure in debates on funding Polish sport.