Archive · 29 Sep 2025
IPC Lifts Partial Suspension of Russia, Belarus Amidst Ukrainian Outcry
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) decided to let Russian and Belarusian athletes participate in the Paralympics again, lifting their previous ban.
This means these athletes can compete under their own flags.
Ukraine is upset about this decision, saying it betrays Olympic values.
While the IPC has made this decision, the final say on who competes in the upcoming winter sports events rests with the international sports organizations.
These organizations haven't yet decided whether to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate.
This comes after the International Olympic Committee made a similar decision for the regular Olympics.
IPC lifts partial suspension of Russia and Belarus, allowing them to compete.
Ukraine expresses strong disapproval of the IPC's decision.
Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete under their flags at the Milan-Cortina Paralympics.
International sports federations still have the power to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes.
The decision mirrors the recent IOC ruling allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes under certain conditions.
- Who
- International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Russian and Belarusian Paralympic Committees, Ukraine
- What
- IPC lifted a partial suspension on Russia and Belarus
- When
- September 27, with the Milan-Cortina Paralympics next year.
- Where
- Seoul (IPC general assembly) and Milan-Cortina (Paralympics)
- Why
- To allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete.
Ukraine's Stance
Russian Paralympic Committee
Participation in Games
Ukraine's Stance
Ukraine is outraged and may not participate.
Russian Paralympic Committee
Welcomed the move as a fair decision.
- Event
- IPC lifts partial suspension of Russia and Belarus
- Affected Countries
- Russia, Belarus, Ukraine
- Next Paralympics
- Milan-Cortina 2026
- IPC Decision Date
- September 27
- Flag Issue
- Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under own flags