Russia’s Exile From World Sports Will End Next Month at Paralympics

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Tariq PanjaFebruary 18, 2026 at 04:25 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

After a decade of sporting exile due to a state-sponsored doping scandal and the invasion of Ukraine, Russia will be represented by a small team at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Italy next month. Six Russian and four Belarusian athletes will participate in skiing events, with their national flag and anthem permitted for the first time since 2014. The International Paralympic Committee's decision has drawn criticism from Ukraine and European leaders, who view it as inappropriate while the war in Ukraine continues. Some officials are protesting the decision by refusing to attend the opening ceremony. This move signals a potential shift towards readmitting Russia into international sports, possibly paving the way for a Russian team at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Winter Olympics ×240% Matvii Bidnyi 40% Lisa Nandy 40% Los Angeles 40% Glenn Micallef 50% Italy 50% European Union 60% International Paralympic Committee 60% Belarus ×275% Ukraine ×585% Paralympic Games ×590% Russia ×995%

Keywords

paralympics 100% russia 90% sports ban 80% athlete reinstatement 70% ukraine invasion 70% belarus 60% summer games 50% doping scheme 50% international sports 40%