Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed strong disapproval of the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) recent decision permitting certain Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags for the first time since the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine.
Zelensky conveyed his concerns during an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, labeling the IPC’s ruling as “dirty decisions” that lack respect for European values. He stated, “I don’t want to say that this is about money, because I don’t know, but this is absolutely disrespectful and unworthy. I think this is a terrible decision, and we will respond to it.”
“I don’t want to say that this is about money, because I don’t know, but this is absolutely disrespectful and unworthy. I think this is a terrible decision, and we will respond to it.”
The president drew parallels between the IPC’s decision and Russia’s incremental expansion of its influence, likening it to the gradual escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. He remarked, “You know, a bit of Crimea, and no one responded, no one intervened. (…) No one imposed sanctions. Fine, a full-scale invasion. Step by step, in a Russian manner.”
On February 17, the IPC confirmed to BBC Sport that ten para-athletes from Russia and Belarus had received invitations from a bilateral commission to participate in events such as para-alpine skiing, para-cross-country skiing, and para-snowboarding at the 2026 Paralympic Games.
In response to the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes, European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef and other Ukrainian officials have announced plans to boycott the opening of the 2026 Paralympic Games.
This marks the first time since 2014 that Russia will represent its athletes at the Paralympic Games under its national flag. The country had been barred from participation twice since then: initially due to a state-sponsored doping program and later in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
In December 2025, Russia and Belarus successfully appealed against the International Ski Federation at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, enabling them to participate in competitions and accumulate ranking points.
The Winter Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are scheduled to take place from March 6 to March 15, 2026.
Investigative reporting by Suspilne has verified the list of Russian athletes granted permission to compete at the Milan Paralympics, highlighting those who have been involved in military actions against Ukraine and have expressed ambitions to participate in future international competitions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the IPC's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their flags, citing a lack of respect for European values. This decision has prompted calls for a boycott of the upcoming 2026 Paralympic Games from Ukrainian officials and European sports authorities.