Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed strong disapproval of the decision by the organizers of the 2026 Paralympic Games to permit athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags. In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, Zelenskyy described this decision as "dirty" and "unjust," contrasting it with European values. He emphasized that such actions reflect a lack of accountability for aggressions committed by these countries, suggesting that this precedent may embolden further violations of international norms.

Zelenskyy articulated his concerns about the implications of this decision, likening it to a gradual normalization of aggression by Russia, which has been involved in conflicts such as the annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Donbas. He argued that the reluctance of international institutions and the sports community to take decisive action against Russian aggression translates into a sense of impunity, invoking a historical pattern of inaction that has allowed these aggressions to escalate. He believes allowing participation under national flags undermines the moral and ethical stance against such aggression.

The Ukrainian President vowed that Ukraine will respond to this decision, though he refrained from detailing specific actions at this point. His remarks highlight the widespread resentment felt in Ukraine toward perceived leniency towards Russian and Belarusian actions, especially in international sports. Zelenskyy's condemnation is likely to resonate with many in Ukraine who view the integrity of international sporting events as being compromised by political considerations, further amplifying the discussion around sports and geopolitical tensions.