Ukraine to boycott Milano Cortina Paralympics opening ceremony after IPC approves Russian and Belarusian participation

Ukraine’s Paralympic team will not attend the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games on March 6 in Verona. The National Paralympic Committee confirmed the decision after the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) permitted a limited number of athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete while representing their countries. The move has sparked strong emotions in Ukraine. Officials said the decision was unacceptable while the war between the countries continues and emotions remain extremely high.The IPC has allocated a total of ten participation slots to Russian and Belarusian athletes for the game that will be held from March 6 to March 15. The Ukrainian authorities clarified that athletes will still compete in events, but government representatives and team members will stay away from the ceremony. The controversy has revived the debate over whether sport can remain neutral during conflict. Political tension now surrounds the Paralympics even before the competition begins in Italy, placing the focus on diplomacy instead of the athletic performances. Ukraine’s sports authorities said the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes was deeply troubling. Officials argued the athletes were granted entry places despite not completing the usual qualification process. According to Ukrainian leaders, allowing national flags during the war was especially painful for families affected by the conflict.The Ukrainian Paralympic committee said the ruling showed a lack of sensitivity toward Ukrainian victims and athletes who lost teammates during the fighting. Athletes also expressed disappointment, explaining that competing against rivals under national symbols connected to the conflict was emotionally difficult.Notably, Russia has received two places each in para alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. Meanwhile, Belarus was given four positions in cross-country skiing. The IPC has stated it continues discussions with Ukraine’s Paralympic leadership.Ukraine’s Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi confirmed that the officials will boycott the ceremony but athletes will still compete to represent their country. The decision mirrors a past protest at the 2014 Sochi Paralympics, when Ukraine limited its opening ceremony attendance after Crimea’s annexation.Meanwhile, Russia defended the decision and said sport should remain separate from politics. However, the dispute risks overshadowing the Games before competition begins. The Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games 2026 were expected to celebrate inclusion and unity, but the political disagreement has instead become the dominant storyline.