Summary
Ukraine will not participate in the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Paralympics on March 6 due to the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) allowed these athletes to participate under their national flags, causing a backlash from Ukraine. Despite the boycott of the ceremony, Ukrainian athletes will still compete in the games.
Key Facts
- Ukraine will boycott the Paralympics opening ceremony because some Russian and Belarusian athletes can participate.
- The International Paralympic Committee gave 10 spots to Russian and Belarusian athletes.
- Ukraine opposes their participation due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
- Ukrainian athletes will still compete in the games, but officials will boycott the event.
- The IPC is in discussions with Ukraine's Paralympic Committee regarding the situation.
- Russia and Belarus received spots in skiing and snowboarding, without going through the usual qualification process.
- In a similar protest in 2014, Ukraine sent only one athlete to the Sochi Paralympics opening ceremony.
