MILANO/CORTINA, Italy (January 2, 2026) – Russian athletes will not be allowed to represent their country at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, even if the Ukraine war ends. International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry confirmed the decision, saying Russians can only compete as neutral individual athletes.
The IOC banned Russia and Belarus after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Coventry reiterated that Russian athletes cannot use their national flag or anthem during the February games. Belarusians face the same restrictions. This policy ensures the Olympics remain politically neutral while addressing ongoing conflict concerns.
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Coventry told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that the rules will not change, even if a peace deal is reached. Russian athletes are allowed to compete individually under the Olympic flag, maintaining their eligibility while excluding national representation.
In other remarks, Coventry noted that hosting Olympics across multiple cities, as Italy is doing, may become standard practice. She said the Milano Cortina Winter Games would provide valuable lessons for future multi-city events, offering flexibility and broader engagement for host countries.
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The Milano Cortina Olympics are scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026. The IOC has not issued additional statements, but Coventry’s comments clarify the approach toward Russian and Belarusian participation amid global tensions.