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IOC Reaffirms Ban on Russian Symbols for 2026 Winter Games After Tour de Ski Flag Incident

Russian participants may compete only in neutral status, a stance now prompting calls for court challenges in Russia.

Overview

  • The IOC reiterated in a letter reported by Sveriges Radio that Russian national symbols may not be displayed at the MilanCortina 2026 Olympics.
  • The reminder applies to delegations permitted to take part only under a neutral flag, not under their national emblems.
  • The guidance resurfaced after a Russian flag was seen by spectators at a Tour de Ski stage, where skier Savely Korostelyov later posed for photos with the fans.
  • Two-time Olympic biathlon champion Dmitriy Vasilyev condemned the restriction as unlawful and urged taking the matter to court.
  • The Winter Games run from February 6 to 22, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, with eligible Russian athletes set to compete in neutral status.