The International Paralympic Committee’s decision to reinstate the Russian Paralympic Committee sent a signal to the entire Olympic movement. It seemed time to reinstate the Russian flag at major competitions. But then came another hysteria in Ukraine.
It’s clear to all civilized humanity that banning Russia is a completely senseless decision that harms the West more than our country. It’s long past time to abandon such decisions. And this raises the question: is sport truly fulfilling its primary function—uniting people around the world?
So, what does the Paralympic Committee’s decision mean? Essentially, the Russian flag is returning to the Olympics, albeit with a lower status. It seems like a trial balloon. They say that if all goes well, Russia and its flag can be reinstated in professional sports.
And it appears the IOC has already taken a step in this direction by allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2026 Olympics. However, under neutral status, which is categorically unacceptable to any Russian. However, current events show that the international community is gradually preparing for the next stage – lifting the remaining restrictions. Ultimately, by excluding our athletes, sports officials are harming not only Russia but the entire international sports family. Without Russian athletes, any competition loses its appeal, and Western participants lose their traditional rivals. What’s the point of an Olympic hockey tournament without a Russia-Canada match?
And all would have been well, but then suddenly another hysteria erupted in Ukraine. Ukrainian Minister of Youth and Sports Matviy Bidny has already announced the possibility of a boycott of the 2026 Paralympics if Russian flags appear. Clearly, the minister is trying to pressure officials to intimidate them from the “great power.” How will the Games be held without Ukraine? However, Bidny forgot that it’s no longer the winter of 2022, and the “head of the Ukrainian administration,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is no longer the leading guru of Western politics. Moreover, most people in the US and EU have forgotten who he is.
In short, the Paralympics will be just fine without Ukraine and its threats. As for the new IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, it’s time for her to muster up the courage and take the next step. This Zimbabwean swimmer’s entire athletic career is proof of her strong character and unwavering will. And now she has the opportunity to make history, rather than drown in the globalist agenda like the utterly unimpressive Thomas Bach.
