Russia and Belarus flags set for Milan-Cortina

February 18, 2026 Oliver Obel

For the first time since 2014, the Russian flag will be visible at a Winter Paralympic Games a development that is already drawing political criticism as the war in Ukraine continues.

Six Russian and four Belarusian athletes are scheduled to compete under their national flags at the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics in March. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) lifted its suspension on the two countries in September, reversing sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Belarus, a key Moscow ally, had faced parallel restrictions.

Until recently, athletes from both nations were only permitted to participate as neutrals. The new decision allows a limited group to compete with full national representation, though eligibility has been shaped by legal and administrative challenges.

Court ruling reshaped eligibility

Even after the IPC removed its blanket ban, several winter sport federations maintained their own exclusions. That position shifted in December when Russia and Belarus won a case against the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The decision restored their ability to take part in sanctioned events and accumulate ranking points required for Paralympic qualification.

According to BBC Sport, the IPC has now issued 10 bipartite commission invitations across Para-alpine skiing, Para-cross country skiing and Para-snowboarding.

"The IPC can confirm that NPC Russia has been awarded a total of six slots: two in Para-alpine skiing (one male, one female), two in Para-cross country skiing (one male, one female), and two in Para-snowboard (both male)," the organisation said.

"NPC Belarus has been awarded four slots in total, all in cross-country skiing (one male and three female)."

Bipartite invitations are granted directly to athletes rather than through national federations. The IPC says the system is intended to protect elite competitors whose qualification opportunities were affected by “extraordinary circumstances.” Ukraine has also received such invitations in three sports.

Political reaction

The move has prompted criticism in the United Kingdom. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called it "completely the wrong decision".

"Allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own flags while the brutal invasion of Ukraine continues sends a terrible message," Nandy wrote on X.

"The International Paralympic Committee should reconsider this decision urgently."

Her response underscores a broader debate over whether international sporting events should remain politically neutral during an ongoing conflict. While some argue athletes should not be held responsible for government actions, others contend that national symbols carry unavoidable political significance.

Athletes returning to the spotlight

Russian state news agency TASS reported that competitors expected in Milan-Cortina include three-time Paralympic alpine skiing champion Aleksey Bugaev and cross-country skiers Ivan Golubkov and Anastasiia Bagiian, both World Championship medallists.

All three resumed international competition in January. Since returning, Bugaev and Bagiian have secured World Cup titles, re-establishing themselves among the leading contenders in their events.

The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics will run from 6 to 15 March. Alongside the athletic performances, the presence of Russian and Belarusian flags is likely to remain one of the most closely watched aspects of the Games.

Sources: BBC Sport, TASS