The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to temporarily lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) that had been in place since October 2023. This decision also terminates restrictions on Russian athletes and teams from competing in international events. The IOC stated that the ROC no longer includes regional sports organizations from territories under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine (NOCU), and the ROC has confirmed it will not operate in these areas.
However, the question of allowing Russian symbols, such as flags and national anthems, at the upcoming Olympic Games remains unresolved. Athletes from Russia returning to international competitions will still be required to comply with anti-doping regulations.
The NOCU criticized this decision as “premature and unjustified,” emphasizing that Russia continues its total war against Ukraine, violating international law and fundamental principles of peace and security. The statement highlighted that, due to Russian aggression, hundreds of sports facilities have been destroyed or damaged, and Ukraine has lost over 600 athletes, coaches, and sports community members since the full-scale invasion began.
Any decisions that pave the way for Russia’s full reintegration into the international Olympic movement contradict not only principles of fairness but also the fundamental values of Olympism, which are rooted in respect for human dignity, peace, and international law, according to the Ukrainian Olympic Committee’s statement.
The NOCU also disagreed with the IOC’s reasoning regarding the absence of regional sports organizations from occupied territories within the ROC. They assert that they previously provided evidence to the IOC and international sports federations showing that Russian sports structures continue to operate in temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine.
Additionally, the NOCU raised concerns about Russia’s anti-doping system and urged international federations to consider findings from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) before hastily allowing Russian athletes back into international competitions.
In May and June 2026, the NOCU, along with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and various sports federations, sent 30 appeals to international federations requesting the maintenance of existing restrictions on representatives from Russia and Belarus.
“The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine will continue to consistently advocate for the interests of Ukrainian athletes, uphold the principles of the Olympic Charter, and strive to prevent the political legitimization of a state aggressor through international sports,” the NOCU added.
Context
- After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the IOC recommended that international federations exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions. In 2023, it allowed their return only as individual neutral athletes under certain conditions.
