Neutral Athletes from Russia and Belarus Cleared for ISU Competitions

Russian and Belarusian Athletes Return to Competition

According to Главком: The International Skating Union (ISU) has decided to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in figure skating, short track speed skating, and speed skating events under a neutral banner starting in the 2026/27 season. This means these skaters can participate in all ISU-sanctioned events, but they will not be permitted to display their national flags or anthems. Their eligibility hinges on maintaining a neutral status without any evidence of violations.

The ban on Russian and Belarusian participation in these sports had been in place since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, lasting through the 2025/26 season. Last year, the ISU partially eased restrictions, allowing a limited number of athletes to compete in Olympic qualifying events. Now, with this new ruling, skaters from these countries can also enter European and World Figure Skating Championships. However, they will not secure quotas for the Grand Prix circuit, as the allocation of tournament spots has already been finalized.

Hockey Remains Restricted

Meanwhile, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has not included Russia on the list of participants for the 2027 World Championship in Germany, despite lifting the general ban on Russian and Belarusian teams for the 2026-2027 season. The organization clarified that 'lifting the ban does not automatically mean a return to competition-participation rights will be assessed on a case-by-case basis for each event.' This marks the sixth consecutive World Championship that Russia will miss since the conflict in Ukraine began in 2022.

The gradual reintroduction of Russian and Belarusian athletes in figure skating and other sports under neutral status signals a slow loosening of international sports sanctions. Yet ongoing restrictions from bodies like the IIHF highlight the inconsistent approaches to these countries' involvement in global competitions. This could shape future sports policies and international relations, as well as the opportunities available to athletes from Russia and Belarus on the world stage.

The recent decision by the ISU reflects a broader trend in the sports world, where organizations are beginning to reassess the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus. This is similar to the recent ruling by FIFA, which has allowed Russian youth teams to participate in the Under-15 World Cup. Such developments indicate a potential shift in how international sports bodies are approaching the inclusion of athletes under neutral status. For more on this evolving situation, you can read about FIFA's decision regarding Russian youth teams.