International Paralympic Committee lifts Russia Belarus sanctions despite Ukraine war

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has lifted all sanctions against Russia and Belarus, allowing them to regain full membership rights and compete under their own flags at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics. This decision followed votes at the IPC general assembly in Seoul, where a majority opposed both full and partial suspensions of the two countries. The move has sparked criticism from Ukraine and countries like Switzerland, which oppose the lifting of sanctions while the war continues. Although the IPC has restored rights, the ultimate participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes depends on individual sports federations, some of which still enforce sanctions. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) continues to maintain stricter regulations, requiring Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals without national symbols at the upcoming Winter Olympics. The IPC's decision has raised concerns over the alignment of sporting bodies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.