In response to the boycott of the Paralympic Games by several countries, including Finland, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented ironically, stating that "the air is cleaner". This boycott was prompted by the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian teams to participate under their national flags. The boycott was initiated by countries like Estonia, Poland, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Finland, reflecting their stance against the participation of these countries due to geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) made the controversial decision last fall, leading to significant backlash from several nations. Ukraine's call for boycotts was part of a broader campaign to rally international support against Russia's actions, and the Finnish Paralympic Committee has joined in this effort. The IPC also awarded wildcard spots to Russian athletes for various events in the upcoming Winter Paralympics, further complicating the issue and igniting further disputes among the countries involved.