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Ukrainian Authorities Withdraw from 2026 Winter Paralympics Over Controversial Decision

KVIA•Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9:40 PM•CNN Newsource

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Ukrainian officials have announced their decision not to participate in the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan Cortina due to the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) ruling allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. Matvii Bidnyi, Ukraine's Minister of Sports, expressed disbelief at this decision, stating that Ukraine will also boycott other Paralympic events in protest. The sentiment was echoed by Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, who condemned the IPC's decision as morally and politically wrong amidst ongoing conflict. European Commissioner Glenn Micallef also voiced his support for Ukraine, announcing he would not attend the opening ceremony, highlighting the principles at stake. This marks the first time since the Sochi 2014 Games that the Russian flag will be displayed at the Paralympics.

Key Details: • Ukraine will not attend the 2026 Winter Paralympics in March. • The IPC's decision allows Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their flags. • Ukrainian officials are urging other nations to join their boycott. • This is the first appearance of the Russian flag at the Paralympics since 2014.

sports ukraine russia paralympics boycott

People & Organizations

Milan CortinaAndrii SybihaSochiMatvii BidnyiGlenn MicallefInternational Paralympic Committee

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