Ukraine announced it will stay away from the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games on 6 March in protest over the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian competitors competing under their national flags, according to the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee.
The decision follows the International Paralympic Committee’s allocation of 10 athlete spots to Russia and Belarus, a move that prompted strong objections from Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
Ukrainian officials described the decision as “disappointing and outrageous” and said they have requested that Ukraine’s flag not be displayed during the ceremony.
Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi said Ukrainian representatives will not attend the opening event, though athletes from the country will still take part in competition.
Skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych also criticised the IPC, accusing it of permitting athletes who support the war to appear with their national symbols.
Under the allocation, Russia received two entries each in para alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, while Belarus was granted four places in cross-country skiing.
Ukraine argued that neither delegation qualified through the standard process and denounced their participation during what it called the “horrific military aggression” against Ukraine.
The IPC said it remains in communication with Ukraine’s Paralympic Committee and said the issue will be reviewed internally.
