Russia will not participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics, even if the war ends – IOC head
Russia will not participate in the Winter Olympic Games, even if the Russian war against Ukraine ends before it begins. This was stated in an interview with the newspaper. Corriere della Sera said Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee.
The media reminded her that in November, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on a truce during the 2026 Olympics. Coventry was asked if she thought it would be observed and if she had open channels of communication with the Russian dictator by Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu.
"The channel is open with the Olympic Committees of Russia and Israel," said the IOC president.
Journalists clarified whether athletes from the Russian Federation would be able to fully participate in competitions if some kind of peace agreement were reached between Russia and Ukraine.
"At this stage, nothing will change the decision that has already been made: neutral athletes on an individual basis," the official said.
The Winter Olympics will begin in just over a month. They will take place from February 6-22 in Italy.
Russian and Belarusian athletes can participate in the Olympic Games only in a neutral status: without a flag, anthem, or national symbols. The IOC allows them exclusively in individual competitions, while the national teams of Russia and Belarus remain banned.
To participate, athletes must meet the qualification requirements, not support the war against Ukraine, and not be affiliated with military or law enforcement agencies. If these conditions are violated, athletes may be barred from competing.
- In October 2025, the Italian Foreign Minister stated that the country will strive to achieve a global truce for the duration of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported that support the proposal regarding the so-called Olympic truce with Russia.
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