The Ukrainian Paralympic Committee announced a boycott of the opening ceremony of the XIV Winter Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina after organizers allowed athletes from aggressor nations, Russia and Belarus, to participate under their flags. This decision has been met with strong disapproval from the Ukrainian delegation, which demands that Ukrainian flags not be used in the opening ceremony of the 2026 Paralympic Games. Despite the boycott of the ceremony, Ukrainian athletes will still compete at the Games.

This announcement came in light of a controversial decision made by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on February 16, where it allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate with special invitations. This has raised concerns and confusion within the Ukrainian team and the national committee, as the Ukrainian delegation feels it undermines the spirit of the Paralympic movement, especially given the ongoing conflict with these nations.

The situation highlights significant tensions within the sports community regarding the inclusion of athletes from countries perceived as aggressors. The Ukrainian Paralympic Committee's stance reflects broader geopolitical sentiments and will likely resonate with supporters of Ukraine internationally, bringing attention to the complexities surrounding sports and national identity in times of conflict.