Russia and Belarus Back in Paralympics: A Controversial Return

Russia and Belarus will participate in the Milano Cortina Paralympics with 10 athletes following a lift on partial suspensions by the International Paralympic Committee. Despite initial bans by sport federations, an appeal allowed them to regain rights for bipartite slots in certain sports.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has confirmed the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to the upcoming Milano Cortina Paralympics, following a decision to lift their previous suspensions. This move comes after the IPC's General Assembly vote in September 2025, which restored full membership rights for both countries.

Despite being key staging areas for conflict, the two nations' appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport led to a successful win against earlier bans. This decision allows their athletes to compete in Para alpine skiing, Para cross-country skiing, and Para snowboard, despite ongoing international tensions and restrictions imposed by other sports federations.

Russia is set to occupy two slots each in three sports categories, while Belarus will gain four slots in cross-country skiing. Though participants can compete under their national flags at the Paralympics, some will remain as independent neutral athletes amid continued sanctions from the International Olympic Committee.