Ukraine and Lithuania have announced a boycott of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympics in response to the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags.
The IPC reversed a previous ban in January 2025, stating that participation should be based on sporting merit rather than nationality, following a recommendation from its independent ethics committee. This policy aligns with similar decisions by the International Olympic Committee for the 2024 Paris Games, though with conditions. For the 2026 Paralympics in Milan-Cortina, Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete as neutrals without anthems or flags during medal ceremonies, but their national symbols may be displayed during the event.
Ukraine’s position, echoed by Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, frames the boycott as a protest against the reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian participation, which Kyiv views as inappropriate amid the ongoing war following Russia’s 2022 invasion. Ukrainian officials argue that allowing Russian athletes to compete under their flag legitimizes the Russian government’s actions.
This dispute reflects the broader politicization of international sport since 2022. Ukraine has consistently advocated for the complete exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes from global competitions, while sports bodies have largely moved toward a policy of conditional participation, emphasizing the separation of sports from politics and the rights of individual athletes.
The boycott targets only the opening ceremony; Ukrainian athletes are expected to compete in the events themselves. The IPC has not commented on the specific boycott announcements but maintains its decision is based on its constitution and ethical guidelines.
The situation underscores the persistent tension between geopolitical protest and the Paralympic movement’s principle of inclusivity. The impact of the boycott on the Games is likely symbolic, though it highlights how international sporting events remain a focal point for diplomatic conflict. The IPC’s policy will continue to be tested as the 2026 Paralympics approach, with further national responses possible.
