Lithuanian Prime Minister I. Ruginienė has publicly stated that she will boycott the upcoming Paralympic Games, where athletes from Russia and Belarus are set to compete under their national flags for the first time since 2014. Initially planning to support Lithuanian Paralympians at the event, Ruginienė has now decided that honoring them in Lithuania is necessary due to concerns over potential provocations and unfair practices at the Games. She emphasized that such decisions regarding the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian competitors do not reflect the current realities and challenges faced by Lithuania and its allies.

During her comments, Ruginienė called for unity among European nations, asserting that it is imperative for the region to present a strong, unified stance against aggression. She urged for resilience against any provocations stemming from the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus, reinforcing the belief in Ukraine's eventual victory in its ongoing conflict. This stance aligns with a broader sentiment among several nations regarding the ethical implications of allowing athletes from countries involved in international conflicts to participate in global sporting events.

This decision not only highlights Lithuania's solidarity with Ukraine but also underscores the tensions surrounding international sporting events that can involve political and social issues. The Prime Minister stated that the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee would need to reconsider its plans for supporting Lithuanian athletes, pointing to the wider ramifications of the ongoing conflict in Europe on sports and international competitions, especially concerning the participation of nations with contentious global standings.