Russian, Belarusian athletes to compete under own flag at Paralympics 2026
Summary
Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete under their own national flags at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, following a decision by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). This comes after their previous ban due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine has strongly criticized this decision.Key Facts
- Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete under their national flags at the 2026 Winter Paralympics.
- The IPC had banned these athletes following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine but lifted restrictions in September 2025.
- Russia and Belarus have a combined total of 10 para-athletes at the next month’s Paralympics.
- Russia will have six slots across Para alpine skiing, Para cross-country skiing, and Para snowboard.
- Belarus is awarded four slots, all in cross-country skiing.
- Some athletes from Russia and Belarus are still competing as neutral athletes without national flags at ongoing Winter Games.
- Ukraine has strongly opposed this decision, citing concerns about the representation of those nations’ flags.
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