Sanctions on Russian Athletes Lifted
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has removed all sanctions against senior Russian national teams, allowing them to compete under their own flag and anthem. This decision marks a major step in restoring the rights of Russian athletes, who were barred from international competitions in March 2022. The first tournament where Russian fencers will shed their neutral status is the 2026 World Championships, scheduled for July 22–30 in Hong Kong.
For context, in April 2023, the FIE allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to return in a neutral capacity. Then, in May 2025, it lifted sanctions on junior teams from both countries. This latest move followed recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which in early May 2026 also called for the removal of sanctions on Belarusian athletes.
Wrestling Rights Fully Restored
Meanwhile, United World Wrestling (UWW) has completely reinstated Russia and Belarus, granting their representatives unrestricted access to competitions across all age groups. The ban on Russian participants in UWW events lasted from March 2022 until April 2023. In September 2024, UWW relaxed its eligibility criteria for Russians and Belarusians, and by January 2026, it approved the participation of wrestlers from both countries in the U23 age category under their national flags.
These policy shifts by international sports bodies signal a gradual return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to major global events, sparking a wide range of reactions across the sporting world.
The restoration of Russian athletes' rights to compete under their own flags in fencing and wrestling may indicate a change in how international organizations view the situation in Ukraine, as well as the potential for normalization in sports relations.
However, these decisions have also drawn criticism and concern from other nations, who argue that such steps could undermine the principles of fairness in sports. This issue remains pressing given the ongoing international political and social contexts that continue to shape the world of athletics.
While the reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian athletes in fencing and wrestling marks a significant shift in international sports, the return of these athletes in aquatics is still uncertain. European Aquatics has decided to postpone their participation under national flags, reflecting the ongoing complexities surrounding these nations' involvement in global competitions.