Russian flags banned from Olympics

January 8, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

Decision extends beyond athletes

The International Olympic Committee has moved to ban the Russian flag and other national symbols from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The restriction applies to athletes and spectators alike, marking a broader approach than in previous Games.

According to Sveriges Radio, which obtained an internal IOC letter outlining the policy, the measure is designed to prevent visible displays linked to Russia anywhere inside Olympic venues.

“The Russian flag and other symbols linked to Russia will be banned at the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.”

Incident that brought the issue back

The clarification followed an episode earlier this season during the Tour de Ski, when a Russian tricolour appeared in the stands. After a race in which skier Saveliy Korostelev finished fourth, spectators were seen holding the flag inside the arena.

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According to Ukrainska Pravda, the incident drew renewed attention to how neutrality rules are enforced not just on athletes, but also on fans attending international competitions.

Neutral status remains unchanged

Russian athletes are expected to take part in the 2026 Games under a neutral designation, as has been the case at recent Olympics. This means competitors are already barred from using national flags, anthems, or other state symbols.

The latest decision confirms that the same principle will apply beyond competition areas, reinforcing the IOC’s position that the Games should not serve as a platform for Russian national representation.

Broader limits on participation

As previously reported by Ukrainska Pravda, Russian and Belarusian athletes will face conditions similar to those imposed at the Paris 2024 Olympics. They will not participate in the opening ceremony, will be excluded from team events, and any medals won by neutral athletes will not be displayed in the official medal table.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry has also stated that even a potential truce would not change the criteria governing Russian participation in the 2026 Winter Games.

Sources: Sveriges Radio, Ukrainska Pravda

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