The IOC stressed that its position on Russia’s invasion “remains unchanged,” adding that it “strongly condemns” the war and “stands in solidarity with the Olympic community of Ukraine.” It also said it would continue monitoring Russia’s compliance and “reserves the right to take any further measures if deemed necessary.”
The decision comes after Ukraine’s Paralympic team boycotted the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Games in February, protesting the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes under their national flags — a move Ukraine’s Paralympic Committee described as “cynical.”
Russia’s sports minister, Mikhail Degtyarev, wrote on Telegram that the IOC sent a clear signal that “the Olympic movement must remain free from politics.” He added that the verdict is the product of Russia’s “consistent legal and diplomatic efforts” and it would now give international federations “the green light” to readmit Russian athletes in time for the qualifying events for the Los Angeles Olympics.
The IOC, meanwhile, was careful to stress what had not changed: Russia’s flag, colors and anthem remain off the table for now; its government officials will continue to be excluded from IOC events; and no Olympic competitions will be staged in the country.
