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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Athena Freya

Winter Paralympics 2026 Opening Ceremony Sparks Political Flashpoint as Seven Nations Boycott Over Russia

Russia Winter Paralympics Paralympics Paralympic Milano Cortina IPC Andrew Parsons Kristi Noem Markwayne Mullin Belarus
2026 Winter Paralympics (New Mobility)

Seven countries will boycott the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympics in protest of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their own flags. The controversy has even trended on social media platforms, with Sky Sports News highlighting the escalating diplomatic tensions on TikTok. The ceremony is due to take place on Friday evening at the Arena di Verona, Italy, as part of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, marking the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics.

Several countries, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, and the UK, will skip the opening ceremony in protest of Russian participation. Stephanie Peacock will attend solely to support ParalympicsGB athletes, according to official statements.

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