Ukrainian athletes are set to boycott the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina on March 6, in Verona, as a protest against the decision allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. The Ukrainian Paralympic Committee announced this decision, expressing strong opposition to the use of the Ukrainian flag during the opening ceremony, emphasizing their commitment to the country's sovereignty and integrity.

Following the announcement from Ukraine, the Czech Paralympic Committee also joined the boycott, reinforcing the message of solidarity among nations in response to the ongoing geopolitical tensions. The Czech representatives stated they would not participate in any way in the opening ceremony, signaling their disapproval of the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) decision to permit athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete.

The IPC has refrained from commenting on the Ukrainian Committee's decision as it continues negotiations with Ukrainian officials. This situation highlights the deepening rift in international sporting events due to political conflicts, especially as nations grapple with the implications of allowing athletes from countries perceived to be aggressors to compete alongside them, further complicating the dynamics of global sports.