Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has stated that his country will call upon other nations to boycott the opening ceremony of the 2026 Paralympic Games unless the flags of Russia and Belarus are banned from the event. This statement comes amid ongoing tensions due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has been characterized by Sybiha as an act of aggression. He emphasized that the presence of these flags would be morally and politically unacceptable while the war continues, linking the symbols to the destructive actions of the respective governments.

In his remarks on social media, Sybiha highlighted that the admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus under their national symbols contradicts the ongoing atrocities committed under these regimes. He argued that the flags and anthems represent nations that are not only engaged in warfare but are also using sports as a platform for propaganda, thus furthering their political agendas and undermining the spirit of the games. The statement reflects a broader sentiment within Ukraine regarding international sporting events involving Russia and Belarus.

This call for boycott not only impacts the integrity of the Paralympics but also places pressure on other nations to reevaluate their stances on participation in global sporting events that could be politically charged. The implications of such a boycott could affect diplomatic relations and highlight the complexities of sports in the geopolitical landscape, especially as international discourse around the war in Ukraine continues to unfold.