IPC President Criticizes Ukraine’s Actions at Milan-Cortina Games

MILAN, Italy – International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons has expressed disappointment with the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee’s actions during the recent Milan-Cortina Winter Games, accusing them of attempting to shift focus away from the sport and towards political messaging. The criticism comes amid reports of pressure exerted on the Ukrainian team by organizers, including the removal of the Ukrainian flag and restrictions on displaying anti-war symbols.

Parsons described the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee’s complaints as “frustrating,” stating that it felt like an effort to detract from the athletic competition. “Yes, I think there was an attempt to deflect attention from the sport,” Parsons told the Associated Press. “And I think even other national Paralympic committees reacted incredibly well, focusing on the sport. I understand it, but it is, to some extent, frustrating.” He acknowledged the empathy felt for the situation in Ukraine, stating he could “only imagine experiencing the horrors” unfolding there, but emphasized the IPC’s responsibility to uphold the rules, even when dealing with the Ukrainian committee.

The controversy stems from a series of incidents reported during the Games. According to reports, the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee faced “systematic pressure” from organizers, including the forced removal of the Ukrainian flag, the disruption of team planning meetings, and a ban on athletes and supporters displaying attire with the slogan “stop war.” These actions prompted complaints from the Ukrainian delegation, which Parsons now views as a distraction from the sporting event.

Responding to Parsons’ criticism, Valeriy Sushkevych, President of the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee, defended his team’s actions, asserting that calls for peace and an end to the war are not political statements but rather a matter of human rights. “If people around the world want to live in peace, that is a human right, not politics,” Sushkevych said in an interview with the Associated Press. Sushkevych is also a People’s Deputy of Ukraine, having served in that role since 1998, and heads the National Committee of Sports for the Disabled of Ukraine.

Parsons also noted that he had anticipated governments attempting to steer attention towards political issues, but expressed regret that sports organizations were also engaging in such behavior. “I really hope this is a lesson for those national Paralympic committees as well that chose to focus more on the political side than on the sporting side – because sport has won,” he stated. This sentiment echoes concerns about the increasing politicization of international sporting events, a trend that has been particularly pronounced since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.

The situation is further complicated by recent reports that the IPC President has previously been seen as supportive of the Russian regime. Parsons has stated that Russian soldiers injured while fighting in Ukraine would be eligible to compete in future Paralympic Games, saying, “It doesn’t matter what they’ve done on the battlefield.” This stance has drawn criticism from those who believe that athletes representing aggressor nations should be excluded from international competition.

The Milan-Cortina Games were already marked by controversy due to the allowance of athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags. This decision sparked outrage from Ukraine and its allies, who argued that it was inappropriate to allow representatives of countries actively engaged in military aggression to participate in an international sporting event. The Ukrainian team’s attempts to raise awareness about the conflict and advocate for peace were met with resistance from organizers, leading to the aforementioned restrictions and complaints.

The Ukrainian Paralympic Committee’s actions highlight the difficult position faced by athletes and sports organizations in the context of ongoing geopolitical conflicts. While the IPC seeks to maintain a neutral stance and prioritize the integrity of the Games, the Ukrainian team feels compelled to use its platform to advocate for peace and human rights. This clash of priorities underscores the challenges of separating sport from politics in a world increasingly defined by conflict and division.

The IPC has not yet announced any further action regarding the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee’s complaints. However, the incident is likely to fuel the ongoing debate about the role of sport in international relations and the responsibility of sports organizations to address political issues.

What’s Next: The IPC is expected to review the events of the Milan-Cortina Games and consider potential changes to its rules and procedures for future events. The next major Paralympic event is the Summer Games in Paris in 2024, where the issue of political neutrality and athlete eligibility is likely to remain a central topic of discussion.