International Paralympic Committee Lifts Sanctions on Russia

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced the lifting of all sanctions imposed on Russian and Belarusian sports organizations. This decision, made during the IPC's general assembly held in Seoul, allows athletes from these countries to compete under their national flags at the upcoming Paralympics in Milan next year.

In 2023, the IPC had partially suspended Russia and Belarus due to the ongoing conflict arising from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As a result, athletes from these nations were only allowed to participate in the Paris Paralympics under a neutral flag, with national anthems omitted from victory ceremonies and teams from both countries barred from competition.

Despite this significant policy shift, it remains uncertain whether Russian athletes will participate in the Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo Paralympics scheduled for March 2026. The final decision regarding their eligibility lies with the respective international federations governing each sport, many of which have maintained their own sanctions against Russian and Belarusian athletes.

During the Seoul assembly, a majority of IPC members voted against a total ban on Russian participation in Paralympic events. Subsequently, a vote to lift the partial suspension passed with a margin of 91 to 77. Similar discussions took place regarding sanctions against Belarus.

While the IPC's decision restores full rights to the Russian and Belarusian sports associations, it is noted that the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo will continue to enforce the same restrictions as seen in Paris. Athletes from these nations will only be permitted to compete under a neutral flag, with their teams being excluded.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had previously suspended Russia's National Olympic Committee due to its annexation of four Ukrainian territories--Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia--interpreting this as a breach of the Olympic Charter.

In response to the IPC's recent decision, Russian officials expressed their approval. The country's Sports Minister, Michail Degtjarev, stated that the restoration of rights for Russian athletes was the outcome of significant efforts and expressed hope that this precedent would encourage dialogue among the IOC and other international sports federations.