Representatives of the Ukrainian government have announced that they will not participate in the Paralympic Games, which will take place in Milan, Italy, from March 6 to 15, 2026. This decision was made in response to the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) allowance for athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Reactions from Ukrainian Officials
Minister of Youth and Sports Matviy Bidnyy stated that the IPC’s decision is unacceptable, and Ukrainian officials will not attend the opening ceremony, official events, or participate in any Paralympic activities. The minister also called on other countries to join the boycott, showing solidarity with Ukraine in this situation.
“Ukrainian officials will not go to the Paralympic Games. We will also not be present at the opening ceremony and will not attend other official events of the Paralympics,” the minister reported.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha criticized the IPC’s decision, emphasizing that it is wrong both morally and politically. He stressed that the Russian and Belarusian flags and anthems symbolize regimes that are waging aggression against Ukraine and using sports for propaganda.
Calls to the International Community
Sybiha highlighted that in modern Russia, even Paralympic sports have become a tool for glorifying participants in the war against Ukraine, and allowing such countries to participate in international competitions creates a dangerous precedent for the global community. He stated that he has instructed Ukrainian diplomats to reach out to the governments of other countries, urging them not to participate in official Paralympic events if the IPC’s decision is not changed.
Recently, the International Olympic Committee confirmed that a limited number of athletes from Russia and Belarus will be able to compete under their national flags, and they will be subject to the same approach as athletes from other countries.
The Paralympic Games will take place in Milan from March 6 to 15, 2026. The Ukrainian side expects that other countries that disagree with the IPC’s decision to allow Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags will join them.