Ukraine to boycott Winter Paralympics over Russian flag decision

Zelensky Condemns ‘Dirty’ Paralympics Decision to Allow Russian Athletes Under Own Flag

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky harshly criticized the International Paralympic Committee’s decision to permit Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags at the upcoming Winter Paralympics, calling it “dirty” and “unjust” during a live interview with Piers Morgan on Tuesday.bbc

Zelensky learned of the breaking news during the interview, when Morgan informed him that ten para-athletes from Russia and Belarus would compete with their flags and anthems at the Milano Cortina Games beginning March 6. “I don’t want to say it’s about money, because I don’t know, but these are absolutely dirty decisions. They lack respect and are not aligned with European values,” Zelensky responded, adding that Ukraine “will respond” to the decision.express

International Backlash Intensifies

The IPC announcement on Tuesday confirmed that six Russian athletes will compete in Para alpine skiing, Para cross-country skiing, and Para snowboarding, while four Belarusians received slots in cross-country skiing. This marks the first time a Russian flag has been raised at the Paralympics since the 2014 Sochi Games.aljazeera

Ukraine announced its officials will boycott the opening ceremony on March 6 in Verona and will not participate in other official Paralympic events. Ukraine’s Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi called the decision “outrageous,” stating that “the flags of Russia and Belarus have no rightful place at global sporting events that embody fairness, integrity, and respect.”reuters

Host Italy also expressed opposition. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Sports Minister Andrea Abodi issued a joint statement expressing “categorical disagreement” with the IPC’s ruling, calling on the committee to reconsider. They emphasized that Italy stands with 33 other countries and the European Commission in opposing the September decision to reinstate the Russian and Belarusian Paralympic Committees.rbc

Growing Diplomatic Pressure

European Union Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef announced he would boycott the opening ceremony, stating he could not support the display of Russian and Belarusian national symbols while the war in Ukraine continues. UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also condemned the move on X, writing that “allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own flags while the brutal invasion of Ukraine continues sends a terrible message.”bbc

The decision follows the IPC General Assembly’s September 2025 vote to lift partial suspensions of Russia and Belarus, and a December ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that allowed athletes from both nations to compete in International Ski and Snowboard Federation events. The athletes have been extended bipartite commission invitations, which are designated for individuals who faced challenges qualifying through standard means due to exceptional circumstances.cnn

The controversy adds to tensions between Ukraine and international sporting bodies after Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the ongoing Winter Olympics for wearing a helmet depicting athletes and children killed in the war.mirror