Russian athletes will not be allowed to represent their country at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, even if a peace agreement is reached regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) reaffirmed this stance following an announcement by its President, Kirsty Coventry, in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. The games are set to take place from February 6 to 22, 2026.
According to Coventry, the IOC will maintain the sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. She emphasized that “at this stage, nothing would change the Committee’s decision.” This means that athletes from Russia and Belarus can only compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs), with restrictions on using their national flags, anthems, or team uniforms.
Participation Conditions for Russian and Belarusian Athletes
Under the current regulations, AINs are prohibited from participating in team events and the opening ceremony. The IOC has not yet made a final decision regarding their participation in the closing ceremonies, stating that this will be assessed during the games. The IOC website clarified that “it is not teams that take part in the Closing Ceremony, but all the athletes jointly together.”
AINs will have their own flag and anthem, which does not contain lyrics. During victory ceremonies, the AIN flag will be displayed, and the AIN anthem will be played. In the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, 32 athletes holding Russian or Belarusian passports from ten different sports participated without any incidents reported on or off the field.
The IOC has made it clear that athletes who actively support the war in Ukraine will not be eligible to compete. This also applies to those contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military and national security agencies, further tightening the conditions for participation.
Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently indicated that a peace deal backed by the United States is “90% ready.” However, significant obstacles remain, particularly Russia’s firm demands and reluctance to make meaningful concessions.
As the Winter Olympics approach, the IOC continues to navigate the complex landscape of international sports amid geopolitical tensions. The organization remains focused on upholding its principles while ensuring the integrity of the games. The situation for Russian athletes remains a focal point as the global community watches for any developments in both sports and diplomacy.
