Timeline

What happened: March 2022: IPC suspends Russian and Belarusian NPCs following the invasion of Ukraine. September 2023: IPC General Assembly votes for a two-year partial suspension, allowing neutral participation. September 27, 2025: IPC General Assembly votes to fully reinstate membership rights for Russia and Belarus.
What's happening now: The IPC is working with Russia and Belarus to implement the reinstatement. Discussions are ongoing regarding athlete eligibility for the 2026 Winter Paralympics.
What's next: International sports federations will decide on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in their respective disciplines for the 2026 Winter Paralympics. Athletes may potentially compete under their national flags if federations allow.

Different Perspectives

IPC: Views the decision as a fair restoration of membership rights and crucial for the Paralympic movement's development, emphasizing athlete rights over nationality.
Russia: Welcomes the decision as 'fair' and an 'important contribution' to the Paralympic movement, protecting athletes from discrimination.
Ukraine: Strongly condemns the decision as 'shameful' and a betrayal of Olympic values, citing ongoing aggression.
Allies (e.g., UK, Nordic countries): Have expressed sharp criticism, aligning with Ukraine's stance.

What You Need to Know

The IPC fully reinstated Russia and Belarus on September 27, 2025.
This allows for potential participation under national flags at the 2026 Winter Paralympics.
Ukraine and allies strongly condemn the decision, while Russia welcomes it.
Final athlete eligibility rests with individual international sports federations.

While the IPC's decision is global, its implications are particularly acute for European nations. Ukraine, bordering Russia and Belarus, views this as a significant setback. Italy, as the host of the 2026 Winter Paralympics, faces pressure from Ukraine and its partners regarding the display of national symbols. The decision highlights a global trend in sports governance where geopolitical tensions intersect with the principles of inclusivity and athlete rights.

The decision marks a significant shift in the IPC's stance on Russian and Belarusian participation in international para-sports.
It raises questions about the balance between geopolitical accountability and the principle of non-discrimination in sports.
The potential return of athletes under national flags could alter the competitive landscape of the 2026 Winter Paralympics.

What to Watch

Decisions from individual international sports federations regarding Russian and Belarusian athlete entry.
Reactions and potential appeals from Ukraine and allied nations.
Statements from host nation Italy regarding security and participation protocols.
The overall atmosphere and reception of Russian and Belarusian athletes, should they be allowed to compete.