For the first time since its military invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia's flag will be featured at an international sporting event, specifically the upcoming Milan Cortina Paralympic Games. The International Paralympic Committee announced that Russia's National Paralympic Committee has been granted six entry slots, allowing athletes in various sports, including Para alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, to compete with their national symbols. Belarus, a key ally of Russia, was also awarded four slots, all in cross-country skiing.

This decision is met with significant controversy and backlash, especially from Ukraine, whose officials have labeled it an 'outrageous decision'. The involvement of Russian athletes under their national flag is seen as a violation of the spirit of the Games, which are typically predicated on inclusivity and neutrality, particularly in light of current geopolitical tensions. The Ukrainian response reflects broader international concerns regarding the normalization of Russia's presence in global sports amidst ongoing conflict.

Should any Russian athletes secure gold medals, it would mark a notable moment, as the Russian national anthem would be heard at a major sporting event for the first time since the invasion, further complicating the existing geopolitical issues. This decision by the IPC raises questions about the future of international sporting events and the potential implications for national representation in the context of ongoing conflicts.