The International Paralympic Committee has decided to lift the partial suspensions imposed on Russia and Belarus. During the IPC general assembly in Seoul, South Korea, members voted against a full suspension for Russia with a majority of 111 to 55, and then rejected a partial suspension with a vote of 91-77, with eight abstentions. Similarly, the assembly voted against a full suspension for Belarus by 119 to 48, with nine abstentions, and against a partial suspension by 103-63, with 10 abstentions.
These decisions could potentially lead to conflicts with the respective sports’ governing bodies in preparation for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Paralympics in Italy scheduled for March 6-15 next year. The IPC stated that both the National Paralympic Committees of Belarus and Russia would now have their full rights and privileges reinstated in accordance with the IPC Constitution. Practical arrangements will be made promptly to facilitate their return to full membership.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both Russia and its ally Belarus had faced bans from international sporting events. The Russian Paralympic Committee expressed appreciation for the IPC’s decision to fully reinstate them, emphasizing the importance of protecting athletes’ rights without discrimination based on nationality or political affiliations. However, there was no immediate response from the Ukrainian Paralympic or Olympic committees.
The Russian Olympic Committee has been under suspension by the International Olympic Committee since 2023 due to violations of the Olympic charter related to incorporating regional sports bodies in occupied eastern Ukraine. Despite this, Russians will be permitted to participate in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Games in Italy as Individual Neutral Athletes, following the same system used at the previous Paris Games.