Ukraine Accuses IPC of Systematic Pressure at Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – The Ukrainian Paralympic Committee has leveled serious accusations against the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the organizing committee of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, alleging “systematic pressure” on its athletes and coaches. The claims, released in a statement on Wednesday, detail a series of incidents that the Ukrainian team says demonstrate a pattern of disrespect and obstruction.
The accusations reach at a sensitive time, as the Games are already marked by controversy surrounding the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus. Ukraine had previously indicated it would not send a full team to the Paralympics in protest of the IPC’s decision to allow these athletes to compete under their national flags, a decision reversed from a prior ban following the invasion of Ukraine.
Allegations of Interference and Disrespect
According to the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee, the pressure began shortly after the start of the XIV Paralympic Winter Games. The statement outlines four specific incidents. Oleksandra Kononowa, after winning a biathlon sprint, was allegedly asked to remove earrings featuring the Ukrainian flag colors and the words “Stop War” during the medal ceremony. While the IPC confirmed Kononowa removed the earrings, they stated she did so willingly after being politely asked.
Further allegations include the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the team’s designated area in the Paralympic Village, forcing it to be displayed in a less prominent location. The committee also claims that family members of biathlete Taras Rad, a sprint gold medalist and individual bronze medalist, had Ukrainian-themed flags and scarves confiscated by representatives from both the IPC and the local organizing committee. A daily team meeting held in a shared common room was reportedly deemed unacceptable.
These incidents, the Ukrainian committee asserts, create a hostile environment for their athletes and undermine their ability to compete effectively. The committee’s statement suggests a deliberate effort to diminish the Ukrainian presence and voice at the Games.
IPC Responds, Expresses Surprise
The IPC expressed surprise at the Ukrainian committee’s public statement, noting they had received no prior complaints through official channels. Craig Spence, the IPC’s chief brand and communications officer, stated at a media briefing on Wednesday, “We’re surprised by it because we’ve received no feedback from them through chef de mission meetings, which are held each morning.” He added that despite a significant presence of IPC and Milan Cortina staff in the Paralympic Village, the organization only became aware of the allegations through media reports. NBC Sports Bay Area reported on the IPC’s response.
The IPC also refuted accusations of preferential treatment towards the Paralympic Committees of Russia and Belarus. They maintained that the decision to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes was made democratically by member federations during a General Assembly in September, and not by the IPC’s executive board or management team.
Broader Context: Russian and Belarusian Participation
The participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus at the Milan Cortina Games has been a major point of contention. It marks the first time since the invasion of Ukraine four years ago that athletes from these nations have been allowed to compete under their national symbols at a major international sporting event. The return of Russian athletes has been particularly sensitive, with some Ukrainian athletes and officials expressing outrage. U.S. News & World Report detailed the broader context of the situation.
The recent Super-G victory by Russian alpine skier Warwara Worontschichina, where the Russian flag was raised and the national anthem played for the first time at the Paralympics since the 2014 Sochi Games, further fueled tensions. This symbolic gesture, while permitted under the IPC’s revised rules, was seen by many Ukrainians as a slap in the face.
What’s Next?
The IPC has stated it will investigate the allegations made by the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee. It remains to be seen whether the investigation will uncover evidence to support the claims of systematic pressure. The situation is evolving rapidly, and further developments are expected in the coming days. The Winter Paralympics in Milan Cortina are scheduled to continue through March 19th, with ongoing competition across multiple sports. Athletes will continue to compete, but the shadow of this dispute looms large over the Games.
The next scheduled event for the Ukrainian team is the wheelchair curling competition, beginning on March 15th. The team’s performance, and their response to the ongoing situation, will be closely watched.
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