Paralympics (Image Via Sportstar)
After years of restrictions, Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete under their national flags at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed that a limited number of quota spots have been given to both nations.
This means their flags can be displayed and, if they win, their national anthems can be played. The decision marks a major shift from 2022, when Russian athletes were banned following Russia’s military action in Ukraine. Since then, some athletes were allowed to compete only as neutral participants, without national symbols. Now, with the Milan-Cortina Games approaching, the IPC has outlined exactly how many athletes will take part and in which sports.
However, the change applies only to the Paralympics.
The restrictions for the 2026 Winter Olympics remain separate.
International Paralympic Committee confirms slots as Aleksey Bugaev and Vladimir Semirunniy draw attention ahead of Milan Games
The International Paralympic Committee stated clearly how many athletes will represent each country. In its official communication, the IPC said, “The IPC can confirm that NPC Russia has been awarded a total of six slots: two in Para-alpine skiing (one male, one female), two in Para-cross country skiing (one male, one female), and two in Para-snowboard (both male).”
Belarus will also have athletes in Milan. The IPC added, “NPC Belarus has been awarded four slots in total, all in cross-country skiing (one male and three female).” Officials further explained that these competitors would be treated like athletes from any other nation, meaning medal ceremonies would include their national flags and anthems.
This is significant because Russia’s flag has not appeared at the Winter Paralympics since 2014.
First, there was the state-sponsored doping scandal. Later, the 2022 invasion of Ukraine led to further bans linked to what officials described as a breach of the Olympic truce.At the same time, the path has not been easy for every athlete. Vladimir Semirunniy, a 23-year-old speed skater born in Yekaterinburg, chose to represent Poland instead. He moved in 2023 and officially switched federations in 2025. The International Skating Union required him to sit out for 14 months before competing again. Recently in Milan, he won silver in the men’s 10,000 meters with a time of 12 minutes and 39.08 seconds, finishing behind Czech skater Metodej Jilek and ahead of Dutch veteran Jorrit Bergsma.Looking ahead to the Paralympics, several well-known Russian athletes are expected to compete. The list includes three-time Paralympic alpine skiing champion Aleksey Bugaev, along with cross-country skiers Ivan Golubkov and Anastasiia Bagiian.For now, sports officials continue to say that athletic competition should remain separate from political conflict. Milan-Cortina 2026 will show how this new chapter unfolds.
