In response to the decision permitting Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags, Ukraine announced a boycott of the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina. Previously, Ukraine had declared its decision on February 19, following the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) approval for six Russian athletes and four from Belarus to participate in the games for the first time since the Sochi 2014 Games. This announcement has sparked a growing list of delegations that are also choosing to abstain from the event.

As the situation unfolds, the boycott has garnered support from multiple nations. The latest to join this movement is Finland, whose Foreign Minister Sari Rautio confirmed the decision, emphasizing the desire to ensure that their athletes can achieve their dreams in the Paralympic arena without the presence of athletes from nations they feel pose a threat. Other delegations that have announced their participation in the boycott demonstrate a clear collective stance against what they view as an unjust allowance for Russian and Belarusian participation in international sporting events, given the ongoing conflict.

This development raises questions about the future of international sporting events in the context of global politics and conflict. With more countries expressing solidarity with Ukraine, the IPC will need to navigate the increasingly complex relationship between sport, diplomacy, and national sentiment as the Olympics and Paralympics continue to face scrutiny concerning inclusivity while maintaining athlete integrity and safety.