The International Paralympic Committee has lifted the partial suspensions imposed on Russia and Belarus. During the IPC general assembly in Seoul, South Korea, a decision was made against a full suspension for Russia with a vote of 111 to 55 and against a partial suspension with a vote of 91-77 (eight abstentions). Similarly, a vote was taken against a full suspension for Belarus by 119 to 48, with nine abstentions, and against a partial suspension by 103-63 (10 abstentions).
These decisions could potentially lead to conflicts with the respective sports governing bodies in preparation for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Paralympics scheduled in Italy from March 6-15 next year. The IPC announced that this verdict enables NPC Belarus and NPC Russia to regain their full rights and privileges of IPC membership as per the IPC Constitution. Practical arrangements will be established promptly by the IPC in collaboration with the two reinstated members.
The ban on Russia and ally Belarus from international sporting events stemmed from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response, the Russian Paralympic Committee expressed satisfaction with the IPC’s decision to fully reinstate them, emphasizing the importance of protecting athletes’ rights without discrimination based on nationality or political ties.
While there was no immediate response from the Ukraine Paralympic or Olympic committees, state broadcaster Suspilne highlighted Ukraine’s legal stance against participating in competitions involving aggressor nations without maintaining neutrality. The Russian Olympic Committee has been suspended by the International Olympic Committee since 2023 for violating the Olympic charter through the annexation of regional sports bodies in eastern Ukraine.
As for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Games in Italy from February 6-22, Russians will compete under the designation of Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), following the same protocol used during the previous Paris Games.