Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidniy has declared that Ukrainian officials will boycott the Paralympic Games, condemning the presence of Russian and Belarusian flags in sports, which he claims has turned into an instrument of war and propaganda. Bidniy emphasized that the Paralympic movement should stand for equality and respect, asserting that Russian athletes are being used by the regime to support its military aggression against Ukraine, which has resulted in significant casualties and disabilities among Ukrainian citizens. He has urged other Western politicians to take similar actions and proposed sanctions against the Russian Paralympic Committee.

Following Ukraine's announcement, Poland has also decided to join the boycott, with its Sports and Tourism Ministry publicly confirming that they will not attend the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. This decision reflects a broader solidarity among nations opposing Russia's military actions in Ukraine. The boycott by two neighboring countries highlights their commitment to not only standing against aggression but also promoting the integrity of international sporting events.

This boycott could have wider implications for the Paralympic Games and international sports as a whole, as it raises questions about the participation of athletes from countries involved in international conflicts. The withdrawals by Ukraine and Poland may prompt other nations to reconsider their participation and could lead to significant changes in how international sports organizations address political issues and athlete eligibility criteria moving forward.