Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – The Ukrainian Paralympic team will not participate in the closing ceremony of the Winter Paralympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in protest against the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags. The move escalates a growing international outcry over the inclusion of athletes from nations involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Valeriy Sushkevych, President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine, confirmed the boycott to the German Press Agency (dpa) on Saturday. “No, never,” Sushkevych stated when asked about Ukrainian participation in the ceremony. “The flag of a state murderer will be raised there.” He went on to call these Paralympic Games “the worst in history.”
Sushkevych’s condemnation centers on what he perceives as a betrayal by the IPC, a stark contrast to the ban imposed on Russian and Belarusian national symbols at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing following Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine. The decision to lift that ban for the Milan-Cortina Games has sparked widespread criticism and prompted several nations to protest.
The Ukrainian Paralympic chief accused Russian Paralympians of openly supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been waging war against Ukraine for over four years. He specifically pointed to instances of Russian gold medalists dedicating their victories to Putin, rather than their country or its people. “That shows that the athletes are not only representing their country, but also terrorism, war and military attacks. That is terrible,” Sushkevych said.
Lithuania has also announced it will boycott the closing ceremony in solidarity with Ukraine. “Lithuania will boycott the ceremony. We are deeply disappointed by the situation,” a delegation representative told dpa. This follows a complete boycott of the opening ceremony on March 6 by Ukraine, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, and Poland. Only 28 of the 55 participating nations participated in the opening ceremony’s march-in.
The situation highlights the complex challenges faced by the IPC in balancing the principles of inclusivity and political neutrality with the realities of international conflict. The decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, albeit under their national flags, was intended to uphold the Paralympic spirit of participation and non-discrimination. Though, it has clearly alienated several nations and ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Valeriy Sushkevych, born June 14, 1954, has been a prominent figure in Ukrainian politics and the Paralympic movement since 1998, serving as a People’s Deputy of Ukraine and President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine. His personal experience with disability, using a wheelchair himself, adds weight to his strong stance against what he views as the IPC’s compromise of its values.
While several nations have chosen to protest through boycotts, the German team has announced its intention to participate in the closing ceremony. Idriss Gonschinska, CEO of the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS), explained that their priority is to support their athletes and allow them to express their views. “Our concern is to be there for the athletes, to support them in achieving their goals and also in expressing their position. After years of hard preparation and at the conclude of such a Paralympic event, they desire to shape the finale together,” Gonschinska said. Alpine skier Andrea Rothfuss and snowboarder Christian Schmiedt will carry the German flag during the ceremony.
However, German athletes competing in Nordic skiing will not attend the ceremony in Cortina d’Ampezzo, as their events took place at a separate venue in Tesero, more than two hours away. The team plans a separate celebration in Predazzo.
The Ukrainian boycott underscores the deep emotional and political impact of the ongoing conflict, extending even to the realm of Paralympic sport. The decision by Sushkevych and the Ukrainian delegation sends a powerful message of protest and condemnation, raising serious questions about the IPC’s handling of the situation and the future of international Paralympic competition in a world increasingly marked by geopolitical tensions.
The closing ceremony is scheduled for 8:30 PM CET (2:30 PM EDT) on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the curling stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The absence of the Ukrainian delegation will undoubtedly cast a shadow over the event, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the difficult choices facing the international sporting community.
What’s Next: The Paralympics conclude Sunday with the closing ceremony. Further statements from the IPC regarding the ongoing controversy are expected in the coming days.
What are your thoughts on the IPC’s decision and the Ukrainian boycott? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Keep reading
