Germany has officially joined the boycott of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, which will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This decision was supported by both the German Association of Sports for the Disabled and Germany’s State Minister for Sports and Volunteering, Kristiane Schenderlein. It is noted that the German government unanimously backed this position, demonstrating a principled approach to issues of values and dignity in European sports.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Support for the Boycott from the International Community
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha emphasized that 11 countries, as well as the European Union, have already decided to boycott the parade of nations during the opening of the Paralympics. The reason for this step is the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in the ceremony, who, according to the decision of the International Paralympic Committee, will compete under their national flags for the first time since 2022.
“I also thank Germany’s State Minister for Sports and Volunteering, Kristiane Schenderlein, for the decision not to attend the ceremony, as well as for the clear support of this stance by the federal government. Germany is demonstrating principled leadership and taking responsibility, playing a strong leadership role in European sports. Dignity is not up for discussion.”
Restrictions on the Ukrainian Team and the IPC’s Position
Earlier, the President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine, Valeriy Sushkevych, reported that the International Paralympic Committee has prohibited the Ukrainian team from using uniforms featuring the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine during the Paralympics. The organization explained this decision by stating that such uniforms are considered a political demonstration.
The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games will take place from March 6 to 15 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Ukrainian team, along with several other countries, has announced a boycott of participation in the opening ceremony due to the inclusion of athletes from Russia and Belarus in the competitions.