In reaction to the recent announcement regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Winter Paralympics, the President of the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee, Mindaugas Bilius, has articulated strong disapproval, stating that it is 'very sad news.' The committee is in coordination with other Baltic countries and Ukraine to take measures against the inclusion of representatives from these countries, emphasizing a collective effort to exclude aggressor nations from the sporting event.

President Bilius further highlighted ongoing discussions with the president of Ukraine's Paralympic committee, indicating a unified stance among the Nordic countries and Baltic states. This collective disappointment is rooted in the sense of betrayal felt by these nations, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has led to ongoing discussions about the ethics of excluding athletes from countries involved in military aggression. The decision is seen as a setback for these nations aspiring to achieve a clear distinction in the representation of sports amidst geopolitical tensions.

Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes has faced scrutiny. While the International Paralympic Committee had imposed a ban as early as 2022, a partial suspension allowing these athletes to compete as neutrals was introduced in 2023. The recent move by the organizers to potentially lift these restrictions has alarmed officials in Lithuania and surrounding nations, prompting them to reconvene with their government and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport to strategize their response going forward.