Ukrainian officials will not attend the upcoming Paralympic Games in Italy, as announced by Youth and Sports Minister Matviy Bidny on February 18. This decision follows the International Paralympic Committee’s ruling that allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags.
Bidny expressed strong disapproval of the committee’s decision, labeling it as “outrageous.” He confirmed that Ukrainian representatives will not participate in the opening ceremony or any other official events associated with the Games. Furthermore, he extended gratitude to officials from other countries who choose to boycott the event as well.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga criticized the decision to permit the display of Russian and Belarusian flags during the Games, particularly amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He argued that these symbols represent regimes that engage in aggression and exploit sports for propaganda purposes.
“In modern Russia, even Paralympic sports are used to glorify participants in the war against Ukraine,” Sybiga stated. He emphasized that providing a prestigious international platform to such a system sends a dangerous message regarding accountability.
In light of the situation, Sybiga has instructed Ukrainian ambassadors to engage with officials in their host countries, urging them to refrain from attending the opening ceremony unless the IPC’s decision is reversed.
Prior to this announcement, the International Olympic Committee informed agencies AFP and SID that a limited number of athletes from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to compete under their national flags, stating that these athletes would be treated like representatives of any other country.
The Paralympic Games are scheduled to take place in Milan from March 6 to 15.
Ukraine's government has confirmed its boycott of the upcoming Paralympic Games in Italy due to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes under their national flags. Officials have called on other countries to join in the boycott, highlighting the moral implications of the IPC's decision amid ongoing conflict.
Source: Radio Svoboda