Russian athletes will not be allowed to compete under their national flag at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, even if a peace deal is finalized with Ukraine. This decision was confirmed by Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on October 13, 2023. The Winter Games are scheduled to take place in Milano Cortina from February 6 to 22, 2026.
The IOC’s stance stems from sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Coventry emphasized that the IOC’s decision remains firm and that “nothing would change the Committee’s decision” regarding Russian representation at the Games. Despite ongoing discussions with Russian Olympic Committees, the IOC’s commitment to uphold these sanctions is clear.
Under the current regulations, athletes holding Russian or Belarusian passports can only compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs). They are not permitted to use national flags, anthems, or team uniforms and cannot participate in team events or the opening ceremony. The IOC has yet to determine if AINs will be allowed to join the closing ceremonies.
The Olympic website clarifies that AINs will have their own flag and anthem, which notably has no lyrics. During victory ceremonies, the AIN flag will be displayed, and their anthem will be played, ensuring a distinct representation despite the absence of national symbols.
In the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, 32 athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports participated across ten sports without incident, according to the IOC. Nonetheless, the organization has specified that athletes who actively support the war in Ukraine or are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies will be barred from competition.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that a US-backed peace deal is “90% ready,” yet significant hurdles remain due to Russia’s demands and lack of concessions. As the international community watches closely, the future of Russian athletes in global competitions hangs in the balance.
