Ovation for Ukraine, whistle for Vance. The President of Italy declared the 2026 Olympic Games open. Photo

More than 1,300 people took part in the ceremony, noted ANSA.

Photo: EPA

Photo: EPA

The opening of the games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo was announced by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, writes ANSA.

Photo: EPA

The Ukrainian flag was carried at the San Siro by short track speed skating representative Elizaveta Siderko, and skeleton athlete Vladislav Geraskevich carried the Ukrainian flag in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Photos of the exit of the Ukrainian delegation have been published on Facebook NOC of Ukraine.

Photo: NOC of Ukraine and the Olympic Team / NOC of Ukraine and the Olympic Team / Facebook

Photo: NOC of Ukraine and the Olympic Team / NOC of Ukraine and the Olympic Team / Facebook

Photo: NOC of Ukraine and the Olympic Team / NOC of Ukraine and the Olympic Team / Facebook

At the stadium in Milan, Ukrainian athletes were greeted with applause, ANSA noted.

Photo: EPA

Photo: EPA

Ukraine will be represented at the 2026 Olympics by 46 athletes in 11 sports.

As the American athletes entered the San Siro, television coverage captured US Vice President J.D. Vance standing in the stands and applauding them. The stadium booed him repeatedly, ANSA emphasized.

The Olympic Games will continue until February 22. 2,900 athletes from more than 90 countries will take part in the competition. There will be 116 sets of awards in 16 disciplines.

13 Russians have been admitted to the 2026 Winter Olympics and will compete in neutral status..