IOC on Russian Athletes in Milan-2026: What Decision is Expected

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, confirmed that a final decision regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has not yet been made. In March 2022, the IOC called for the suspension of Russian athletes from international competitions due to the events in Donbas. In 2023, the IOC recommended allowing Russians to compete in a neutral status. At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, athletes from Russia and Belarus were allowed to participate only in a neutral status without national symbols. Athletes were required to have sports licenses and not support the war in Donbas. The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from February 6 to 22. It is also worth noting that speed skater Ksenia Korzhova was recognized as a neutral athlete but liked posts that supported Russian aggression. Some athletes, such as gymnast Mykyta Nahornyi, were sanctioned for supporting Russian aggression in Ukraine.