Zelensky criticises admission of Russians and Belarusians under flags to 2026 Paralympics
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticised the decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the 2026 Paralympic Games under their own national flags. The Head of State said this when commenting on the position of the competition organisers.
What Zelensky said
According to the President, the decision is unfair and contrary to European values.
He stressed that Ukraine will respond to such steps by international sports organisations.
«This is an absolutely dirty decision that cannot be respected. It is terrible, unfair and not in line with European values. This is an unfair decision, and we will respond to it,» Zelenskyy said.
The President also drew a parallel between Russia's gradual concessions in sports and the escalation of Russian aggression against Ukraine - from the occupation of Crimea to a full-scale invasion.
The context of the 2026 Paralympic decision
The issue of the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions has been one of the most controversial since the start of the full-scale war.
Ukraine insists on:
Russia's complete isolation in world sport;
preventing performances under state symbols;
Tougher sanctions against sports federations cooperating with Russia.
At the same time, some international organisations are promoting the idea of «neutral status» or the partial return of athletes from aggressor states to competitions.
Significance for Ukraine
Kyiv's position on sports sanctions is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to put pressure on Russia in times of war.
Any decision to return Russian athletes under national flags is seen in Ukraine as a political signal that could weaken the international isolation of the aggressor state.
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