Russia will not compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics

The International Olympic Committee will not reconsider the current decision: only neutral athletes in individual status are eligible.

Makim Krus

02/01/2026

Russia will not be represented at the 2026 Winter Olympics even if the war ends

President International Olympic Committee Kirsty Coventry stated that Russia will not be represented at the 2026 Winter Olympics even if the war against Ukraine ends. She said this in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

IOC position

According to Coventry, Nothing is changing at the moment in the IOC's decision already made.

possible tolerance only neutral athletes;
exclusively in individual disciplines;
without the Russian flag, anthem and national symbols.

Thus, the participation of teams from the Russian Federation or performances under the national flag excluded.

Context.

The IOC has maintained a line of restrictions on athletes from Russia due to the aggression against Ukraine and related violations of Olympic principles.