MILAN CORTINA, Italy – Lithuania has formally protested Russia’s participation in the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics, lodging a formal note of protest with the Russian embassy over the timing of the Games’ opening ceremony coinciding with a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine. The protest, delivered over the weekend, underscores the growing international condemnation of the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags.
According to a statement released by the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the attacks – involving 480 combat drones and 29 missiles, including ballistic missiles – occurred while the opening ceremony of the Paralympics was underway. The ministry sharply criticized the IPC’s decision to “unjustifiably and shamelessly” permit athletes from Russia and Belarus, a key supporter of the invasion, to participate with full national representation.
The situation has sparked a wave of boycotts, with several nations choosing to abstain from the opening ceremony in protest. Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland all opted not to participate. While Canada and Britain cited scheduling conflicts, the absences are widely seen as a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine.
“Lithuania reminds the International Paralympic Committee that with its shameful decision, it rewarded the aggressor, and history will not forget not only Russian aggression, but also those who contribute to it by turning a blind eye to war crimes,” the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. The note further emphasized that there is no statute of limitations for war crimes and other international offenses, and reiterated Lithuania’s demand for Russia to cease its aggression against Ukraine, withdraw its forces, and compensate Ukraine for all damages incurred.
The timing of the Russian attacks, coinciding with the Paralympics opening, has drawn particularly strong criticism. The IPC’s decision in September 2025 to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags – a reversal of previous restrictions imposed following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine – has been deeply divisive. This marks Russia’s first official participation in the Paralympics since hosting the Games in Sochi in 2014.
IPC President Andrew Parsons defended the organization’s decision, referencing a vote by the IPC General Assembly that paved the way for the return of athletes from Russia, and Belarus. However, the decision has been met with widespread disapproval, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Parsons acknowledged the challenging context, noting that this marks the third time in four editions of the Winter Paralympics that the Games have opened amidst an active conflict. Variety reported on the growing boycotts surrounding the opening ceremony.
The attacks on Ukraine on Friday evening and overnight into Saturday resulted in at least 11 civilian deaths, according to reports. Lithuania has consistently issued protest notes to Russia regarding its actions in Ukraine, delivering 27 such notes in the past year alone.
The controversy surrounding the Paralympics underscores the complex challenges facing international sporting organizations as they navigate the geopolitical landscape. The IPC’s attempt to balance inclusivity with condemnation of aggression has clearly failed to satisfy many nations, leaving a shadow over the Games in Milan Cortina. The situation raises questions about the future of international sporting events and the role they play in responding to global conflicts.
As the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics officially get underway, the focus will not only be on athletic achievement but also on the political statements made both on and off the field of play. The coming days will reveal whether the IPC’s decision will further isolate Russia or pave the way for a return to the global sporting arena. The Games are scheduled to continue through March 15th, with ongoing developments expected regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
What’s Next: The Paralympic Games will continue through March 15th. Further updates on athlete participation and any potential diplomatic developments will be reported as they become available. Follow Archysport for continued coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics.
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