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Ukrainian officials have announced a boycott of the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics, scheduled to initiate March 6, 2026, in protest of the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags. The move underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the participation of athletes from countries involved in the conflict in Ukraine and raises questions about the future of international sporting events.

The decision, announced on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, comes after the IPC reversed a ban imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukraine’s Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi condemned the IPC’s decision, calling it “disappointing and outrageous” and stating that the flags of Russia and Belarus “have no place at international sporting events.” The IPC has approved a total of 10 para-athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the Games, according to a statement released earlier this week.

Bidnyi further argued that Paralympic sport in Russia has been “made a pillar for those whom Putin sent to Ukraine to kill – and who returned from Ukraine with injuries, and disabilities.” This strong condemnation highlights the deep-seated resentment and anger felt by Ukrainian officials towards the reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian athletes, viewing it as a legitimization of a regime engaged in aggression. The 2026 Winter Paralympics are set to take place from March 6 to March 15, with opening ceremonies in Verona and closing ceremonies in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The Games are expected to host 665 athletes competing in 79 events across six sports.

The IPC’s decision to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes has sparked widespread criticism beyond Ukraine. Glenn Micallef, the European Commissioner for Sport, announced he will boycott the Paralympics opening ceremony, deeming the reinstatement of national symbols “unacceptable” while Russia’s war in Ukraine continues. Micallef stated his decision on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that the flags and anthems are “inseparable from that conflict.”

International Response and Concerns

The European Union has also voiced its disapproval, with Commissioner Micallef stating he will not attend the opening ceremony in Verona on March 6. This boycott signals a broader concern within the EU regarding the participation of athletes from countries accused of violating international norms and engaging in aggression. The decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags represents a significant shift from the previous stance adopted after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when they were prohibited from participating under their national banners.

Previously, Russian and Belarusian athletes were permitted to compete as “individual neutral athletes,” subject to conditions such as not actively supporting the invasion and not being affiliated with the military. The IPC voted in September 2025 to lift partial suspensions on Russia and Belarus, paving the way for their full reinstatement. This reversal has been met with strong opposition from Ukraine and its allies, who argue that it undermines the principles of fairness and integrity in international sport.

Impact on the Milano Cortina 2026 Games

The Ukrainian boycott casts a shadow over the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, potentially diminishing the spirit of unity and international cooperation that the Games aim to foster. The 14th edition of the Winter Paralympic Games, taking place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, was intended to be a celebration of athletic achievement and inclusivity. Though, the controversy surrounding Russian and Belarusian participation threatens to overshadow these goals.

The IPC maintains that its decision was made in accordance with its principles of non-discrimination and the right of all athletes to compete. However, critics argue that this stance fails to adequately address the ethical and moral implications of allowing athletes from countries involved in armed conflict to represent their nations on the international stage. The situation highlights the complex challenges faced by international sporting organizations in navigating geopolitical tensions and upholding their values.

The 2026 Winter Paralympics will be the third time Italy has hosted the Paralympic Winter Games, following events in Rome in 1960 and Turin in 2006. It will also be the first Winter Paralympics since Vancouver 2010 to hold the opening and closing ceremonies in different venues.

What to Expect Next

The Ukrainian boycott is likely to intensify pressure on the IPC to reconsider its decision and potentially lead to further protests from other nations. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the IPC will maintain its current stance or seek a compromise that addresses the concerns raised by Ukraine and its allies. The situation underscores the delicate balance between upholding the principles of inclusivity and responding to the geopolitical realities of the ongoing conflict. The focus now shifts to how the IPC will manage the Games amidst this controversy and whether other nations will follow Ukraine’s lead in protesting the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes.

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