The Estonian delegation has announced its decision to abstain from the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympic Games in Milan Cortina. This decision arises from the stance taken by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Ski Federation (FIS), which allows athletes from aggressor states, specifically Russia and Belarus, to participate while competing under their national flags and symbols. This has led to a significant moral and ethical dilemma among various nations regarding participation in the event.

In solidarity with Ukraine and in response to this controversial decision, Estonia will also be accompanied by several other countries that have chosen not to attend the opening ceremony. These include neighboring nations like Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Lithuania, as well as countries like Canada and Australia. Many of these governments view the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes as unacceptable in the current geopolitical climate, reflecting a widespread sentiment rejecting normalizations with aggressor states in international sports.

The Estonian delegation has voiced its steadfast solidarity with Ukraine, emphasizing the impossibility of making a different decision under the present circumstances. The officials highlighted their understanding of the situation and why such a boycott resonates deeply with a broader community of nations advocating for fair and just sporting events that align with global peace and human rights values.