Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Minister of Youth and Sports Matviy Bidny issued a joint statement in response to reports of pressure from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Ukrainian athletes during the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Accusations of Discrimination and Ukraine’s Response
The statement notes that the National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine reported instances of discrimination and unacceptable treatment of the Ukrainian team and fans. According to the ministers, the IPC not only allowed the presence of Russian and Belarusian symbols but also attempted to restrict the use of Ukrainian national colors and symbols at the games.
“The National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine issued a statement regarding the discriminatory, contemptuous, and unacceptable treatment of the national team of Ukraine and Ukrainian fans at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. The International Paralympic Committee not only allowed blood-stained Russian and Belarusian flags but is also trying to ban Ukrainian symbols and even the blue and yellow colors. We strongly condemn the IPC’s complete disregard for our country and athletes. The Committee’s decision to openly side with Russia in its genocidal war against Ukraine is immoral and contradicts all principles of Olympism and norms of humanity,” the ministers’ statement reads, adding that “future generations will label these decisions as they deserve: disgrace.”
Boycott of the Ceremony and the Position of the International Community
On March 10, the National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine publicly stated that there was systematic pressure from representatives of the IPC and the organizing committee on athletes and coaches during the competitions in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Particular attention was given to incidents related to the prohibition of using the Ukrainian flag by both athletes and fans.
Despite the ongoing aggression of Russia against Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee allowed six Russian and four Belarusian athletes to participate in the competitions under their national flags, rather than in a neutral status.
In response, the Ukrainian team refused to participate in the opening ceremony in Verona as a sign of protest. Representatives from Austria, Romania, the United Kingdom, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Poland joined the Ukrainian delegation.
The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games will take place from March 6 to March 15 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.