After Ukraine, six nations join hands to boycott Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics 2026 opening ceremony after inclusion of Russian athletes

The Winter Paralympics 2026 will officially begin on Friday in Italy, but the opening ceremony is overshadowed by a diplomatic boycott from several European nations. The protest is linked to the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. It will be the first time since 2014 that Russian athletes participate with their flag at the Winter Paralympics. The ceremony will take place at the historic Verona Arena.The boycott involves Ukraine and several European countries, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. These nations have decided not to attend the ceremony in protest. Despite the controversy, more than 600 athletes from 56 countries are expected to compete across six sports during the Games, which will run until March 15 across several venues in northern Italy.The controversy surrounding the opening ceremony began after the International Paralympic Committee allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. Six athletes from Russia and four from Belarus will participate in the Games.Several nations strongly opposed this decision. Ukraine and six other European countries confirmed they would not attend the opening ceremony. The United Kingdom government also announced that it would not send official representatives to the event.IPC president Andrew Parsons defended the decision and said it was made through a democratic process. He explained that the issue had already been discussed months earlier and approved by member nations.Some athletes from countries such as Canada, Germany, France and Britain will also miss the ceremony for logistical reasons. Officials said many athletes prefer to stay focused on their competitions, which begin early the next day.Most of the sporting action will take place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a famous ski resort in the Dolomites. Events such as wheelchair curling, para alpine skiing and para snowboarding will be held there. Meanwhile, para ice hockey matches will be played at Santagiulia Arena, while para biathlon and cross-country skiing competitions will be hosted in Val di Fiemme.Despite the political tensions, IPC officials say the focus should remain on the athletes. They emphasised that the Paralympics are meant to highlight the achievements of athletes with disabilities and to promote inclusion and opportunity worldwide.