Russia banned from 2026 Olympics regardless of potential peace deal - IOC
2026 Olympic Games (photo: Getty Images)
Even if a peace agreement is signed between Ukraine and Russia, athletes from Russia will not be able to represent their country at the 2026 Olympic Games, according to Corriere.it.
IOC stance: no changes possible
Despite the UN resolution on an Olympic truce and potential geopolitical shifts, the position of the world’s leading sports organization remains firm.
According to Kirsty Coventry, the format for Russian athletes’ participation has already been determined, and it does not allow the use of national symbols.
''At this stage, nothing would change the Committee's decision allowing Russian athletes to take part in the February games only as individuals representing themselves,'' Coventry emphasized.
She clarified that even in the event of de-escalation or the signing of an official peace agreement following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Russian athletes will not be allowed to represent their country.
Evolution of restrictions and current situation
The history of sanctions against athletes from Russia and Belarus has gone through several stages, beginning with a complete ban on participation in February 2022.
By March 2023, the IOC had revised its approach, recommending that international federations allow athletes from these countries to compete exclusively in a neutral status.
A significant shift occurred in December 2025, when the organization allowed youth categories to compete under national symbols. This led the chess, skiing, and fencing federations to fully reinstate Russian athletes’ rights.
These developments were also reflected in Ukraine. The relevant Ukrainian ministry officially lifted the ban on domestic athletes participating in international tournaments where Russians or Belarusians compete, even if they use their national symbols.
Qualification process for the 2026 Games
The active phase of qualification for the main four-year sporting event is currently underway, and Russian athletes are already integrated into this process.
Specifically, 25 athletes from Russia and Belarus have been admitted to the qualification stages in skiing disciplines.
In addition, three neutral athletes in cross-country skiing have already secured licenses guaranteeing their right to compete.
The next Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Earlier, we wrote that the US banned transgender women from participating in the Olympics.
