Three more countries to boycott 2026 Winter Paralympics opening over Russia and Belarus participation

Three more European countries have joined the boycott of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympics following the decision by the International Paralympic Committee to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete.

Source: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on X (Twitter)

Details: Sybiha said Austria, the United Kingdom and Romania have decided to support Ukraine by boycotting the ceremony.

Quote from Sybiha: "Austria, Romania, and the United Kingdom have confirmed that their officials will not attend the 2026 Paralympic Games' opening ceremony. Already, 14 countries and the EU have refused to participate in this event, in which the International Paralympic Committee has allowed Russia and Belarus to wave their blood-stained flags. And the number is growing.

We appreciate all of our partners who took this morally sound stance. These aren't simply flags – these are symbols of an aggressive war that has killed at least 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, damaged 800 sports facilities, and resulted in hundreds of thousands of war crimes.

We strongly urge all countries to refrain from sending officials to the ceremony. Say no to war propaganda and sportswashing."

Background:

• Germany's national team has also shown solidarity with Ukraine.
• Valerii Sushkevych, President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine, said the International Paralympic Committee has banned Ukrainian athletes from wearing a kit featuring a map of Ukraine at the 2026 Winter Paralympics.

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