IOC provisionally lifts ban on Russian athletes
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- The IOC provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, ending an effective ban in place since March 2023 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and potentially clearing the way for Russian athletes at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
- The IOC stressed it has not yet decided on restoring the Russian flag, anthem, or colours, and based its ruling on being satisfied that the ROC does not operate in the four disputed territories Russia is attempting to annexe.
- Lisa Nandy, the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said she was "utterly appalled" and reaffirmed her government's support for Ukraine, citing Russia's "flagrant disregard for anti-doping regulations."
- Vladyslav Heraskevych, the three-time Ukrainian Olympian disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics for wearing a helmet honouring killed Ukrainian athletes, labelled the decision "absolutely shameful."
- The IOC attached conditions: Russian athletes must meet anti-doping requirements and commit to "respect, uphold, and promote a peaceful society."
- Kirsty Coventry, the IOC president, said the IOC itself will not stage competitions in Russia or invite Russian government officials to its events, while leaving the hosting decision to individual international federations.
- The ruling follows a pattern of partial readmission: the International Paralympic Committee voted in September 2025 to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes, and World Aquatics lifted its ban in April.
Why it matters: The IOC's ruling is a procedural step toward Russian reintegration while the invasion of Ukraine continues, with the flag and anthem still off the table — but the IOC's simultaneous claims of solidarity with Ukraine and condemnation of the conflict sit beside its stated principle that athletes should not be penalised for their government's war, a contradiction the UK government and Ukrainian athletes are publicly challenging.
