Ukraine to boycott Paralympics opening ceremony
Sport
Ukraine will not take part in the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympic Games on March 6 in protest against allowing Russia and Belarus to compete with their national symbols.
The decision was announced by the National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine. The statement said neither the athletes nor the official delegation would attend the ceremony due to the reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian flags and anthems.
Previously, athletes from the two countries competed without national symbols. However, in September 2025 the ban was lifted by the International Paralympic Committee.
The EU’s sports minister also announced he would not attend the ceremony, while Italy, the host of the 2026 Games, called for a review of the decision.
Russia will be represented by six athletes at the 2026 Paralympics (compared to 30 in 2018), while Belarus will send four competitors.
Previously, athletes from the two countries competed without national symbols. However, in September 2025 the ban was lifted by the International Paralympic Committee.
The EU’s sports minister also announced he would not attend the ceremony, while Italy, the host of the 2026 Games, called for a review of the decision.
Russia will be represented by six athletes at the 2026 Paralympics (compared to 30 in 2018), while Belarus will send four competitors.
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