The return of Russia and Belarus to the Winter Paralympic stage, displaying their national flags, has ignited controversy over the standards of international sports sanctions. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have had differing views on this issue, leading to strong reactions, especially from Ukraine. On January 17, the IPC announced the participation of six Russian and four Belarusian athletes in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympics under their national representation, permitting the use of national flags and playing the anthem for medalists. This marks Russia's return to the Paralympics since the Sochi Games in 2014.

In response, the Ukrainian government, represented by President Volodymyr Zelensky, has vehemently criticized the IPC's decision and sought support from the international community. Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports, Vadym Gutzeit, stated in an interview that while Ukrainian athletes will participate, government officials will not attend the opening ceremony or official events. Additionally, UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed on social media that allowing flags during an ongoing invasion is sending the wrong message and called for a reevaluation of the decision.

The IPC had restored the membership of Russia and Belarus last year, leading to their qualification for the Paralympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport deemed the International Ski Federation's measures against their athletes as unjustified. However, the IOC continues to maintain sanctions against the Russian Olympic Committee, with athletes from Russia and Belarus competing as neutral athletes in this Olympic season. Experts note a dichotomy between the IPC's focus on expanding participation and athlete rights contrasted with the IOC's consideration of international political ramifications and diplomatic pressures, indicating a broader complexity in managing sports diplomacy amid ongoing global conflicts.