IOC Faces Backlash Over Potential Russia, Belarus Olympic Reinstatement

Ukraine's opposition and athlete protests complicate path to 2028 LA Games

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The International Olympic Committee's deliberations on reinstating Russia and Belarus for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are facing strong headwinds, with Ukraine's firm opposition and recent athlete protests over the issue complicating the IOC's efforts to maintain 'sport as a neutral ground'.

Why it matters

The IOC's decision on Russia and Belarus' Olympic participation will have far-reaching implications, as it must balance its commitment to political neutrality with growing pressure to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. The controversy highlights the difficulty of separating sports from geopolitics, especially in the context of an ongoing armed conflict.

The details

While the IOC appears increasingly inclined to lift suspensions in time for LA28, the emotional resonance of Ukrainian athletes' protests and Kyiv's vocal opposition are making the path forward difficult. The disqualification of a Ukrainian athlete for wearing a helmet with images of war victims has become a focal point of the debate. Even if the IOC lifts its bans, individual sports federations would still need to approve the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes, adding another layer of complexity.

  • The IOC Congress in Milan earlier this month discussed the potential reinstatement of Russia and Belarus.
  • On February 15th, IOC President Kirsty Coventry signaled a shift towards a more accommodating stance.
  • In December, the IOC advised sports bodies to allow Russian youth athletes to participate under neutral flags, further fueling concerns in Ukraine.
  • World Aquatics recently dropped its restrictions on Russian youth and junior athletes, signaling a broader trend towards easing limitations.
  • The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28) are scheduled to take place in a nation with a strong tradition of political activism and a diverse population, which could become a platform for further protests if Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete.

The players

Kirsty Coventry

The President of the International Olympic Committee, who has articulated a desire to maintain 'sport as a neutral ground' and signaled a shift towards a more accommodating stance towards Russia and Belarus.

Vladyslav Heraskevych

A Ukrainian skeleton slider who was disqualified for wearing a helmet adorned with images of Ukrainians killed in the war, highlighting the resistance to Russia's return and the strong desire among some athletes to continue expressing solidarity with Ukraine.

Matvii Bidnyi

Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports, who has described any move to allow Russian athletes to compete as 'irresponsible' and a potential legitimization of Russia's actions.

LA28 Organizing Committee

The committee responsible for organizing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which has not yet issued a statement regarding the IOC's deliberations on Russia and Belarus' participation.

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What they’re saying

“We must maintain sport as a neutral ground where athletes can compete freely, without being held back by the politics or divisions of their governments.”

— Kirsty Coventry, IOC President (newsdirectory3.com)

“It looks like you want to legitimize this evil.”

— Matvii Bidnyi, Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports (Associated Press)

What’s next

The IOC will need to address concerns about the potential for Russian and Belarusian officials to attend the LA28 Games and the possibility of attempts to use the Olympics as a platform for propaganda as it moves closer to a decision on their reinstatement.

The takeaway

The IOC's decision on Russia and Belarus' Olympic participation will have far-reaching implications, as it must balance its commitment to political neutrality with growing pressure to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. The controversy highlights the difficulty of separating sports from geopolitics and the need for the IOC to maintain the integrity of the Olympic movement in a world increasingly defined by global tensions.