Italy Challenges IPC Decision on Russian, Belarusian Athletes

Host nation Italy has urged the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to reassess its decision to permit Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics.

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Sports Minister Andrea Abodi assert that allowing participation in such a manner conflicts with the Paralympic Games' spirit given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Italy aligns with 33 other nations and the European Commission in opposing the reinstatement of these athletes.

Previously banned following Russia's 2022 invasion, Russia and Belarus regained their rights within the IPC after a vote in September 2025. However, international sport federations have upheld bans, despite the nations winning an appeal to overturn the International Ski and Snowboard Federation's ban.