Ukrainian officials to boycott Winter Paralympics over decision to allow Russian athletes to compete
Ukrainian government officials have declared they will stay away from next month’s Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics following the International Paralympic Committee’s ruling that permits Russian and Belarusian competitors to participate under their national flags.
The IPC announced on Tuesday that a total of 10 athletes from the two nations would take part in the Games, scheduled to run from 6 to 15 March.
This marks the first occasion since 2014 that Russian competitors will be able to represent their country at the Paralympics, having previously been required to compete under a neutral banner.
Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi announced the boycott on Wednesday, making clear that while Ukrainian athletes would continue to compete, no government representatives would attend any aspect of the Games.
Ukrainian officials will boycott the Winter Paralympics this year
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“In response to the outrageous decision to let Russians and Belarusians compete under their national flags, Ukrainian public officials will not attend the Paralympic Games,” Mr Bidnyi stated.
“We will not be present at the opening ceremony. We will not take part in any other official Paralympic events.”
The minister also appealed to other nations to follow suit, thanking “every official from the free world who will do the same.”
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga echoed this call, urging allied countries to shun the opening ceremony.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has strongly criticised the IPC’s ruling, describing it as “completely the wrong decision.”
Writing on social media on Tuesday, Ms Nandy argued that permitting competitors from Russia and Belarus to represent their countries whilst the conflict in Ukraine persists “sends a terrible message.”
The Winter Paralympics will run from 6 to 15 March
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She called upon the Paralympic governing body to reverse its position without delay.
“The International Paralympic Committee should reconsider this decision urgently,” the Culture Secretary wrote.
Britain joined 32 other nations, predominantly from Europe, in signing a joint statement voicing “serious concern” when IPC members voted to end the partial suspensions of Russia and Belarus back in September.
Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi announced the boycott on Wednesday
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The IPC’s decision follows two previous bans imposed on Russia – initially in 2016 due to a state-sponsored doping programme, and subsequently in 2022 following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
IPC president Andrew Parsons defended the organisation’s stance last year, telling Sky News that Russian involvement in the Games was “not linked to participation in wars.”
Mr Parsons acknowledged that both Russia and Belarus had previously exploited Paralympic sport to promote what they termed the “special operation,” which prompted the 2023 suspension.
However, he maintained there was now “less evidence” of the Games being used for war propaganda.
