Italy, as the host of the upcoming Winter Paralympics, has officially requested that the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) reverse its decision allowing ten Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Sports Minister Andrea Abodi conveyed the government's position, highlighting that Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine fundamentally contradicts the spirit of the Olympics. They argue that the presence of Russian athletes participating with national symbols undermines the values of peace and truce that the Olympic and Paralympic movements aim to uphold.

The Italian government has not only expressed its own views but also aligned itself with the sentiments of 33 other countries and the European Commission, who share the belief that Russia's actions disqualify it from having a national representation in the games. Their statement emphasized that Russia's aggressive military actions, particularly against Ukraine, violate the principles that govern the Olympic truce and the ideals associated with both Olympic and Paralympic competitions.

In response, Russia's embassy in Italy criticized the Italian government’s stance, labeling it undiplomatic and harsh, particularly emphasizing that athletes with disabilities should not be subjected to political consequences over international conflicts. This conflict serves as a significant and contentious backdrop to the Winter Paralympics, illustrating the ongoing tension between sports, politics, and national representation in international competitions.