On November 11, the Ukraine Paralympic Committee (UPC) expressed outrage over restrictions imposed on athletes and their families during the Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina regarding the display of the national flag. They claimed that the family of biathlon athlete Taras Rat was stopped from showing the flag and traditional patterns when they approached the audience. Additionally, they were asked to remove flags that had been displayed in the athletes' village, with allowances made only for discreet placements.

The committee highlighted further issues when gold medalist Oleksandra Kononova was forced to remove earrings that bore the inscription "STOP WAR" during the awards ceremony. UPC's statement conveyed a deep disappointment with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the organizing committee for what they termed as unprecedented and shameful actions, calling for a reminder that peace is one of the IPC’s essential missions.

In response to the protests, IPC representatives stated that the request to remove Kononova's earrings was based on potential rule violations, which the athlete agreed to comply with. They also acknowledged the impossibility of displaying the national flag in certain areas but mentioned that they were investigating the incidents concerning flag restrictions in detail. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding national representation and expressions of solidarity among athletes in international sports events.