The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces that restrictions affecting Belarusian athletes and teams competing under the Belarus flag are lifted. The decision means Belarus can return to Olympic-style international competition under its national banner, following earlier IOC sanctions linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
At the same time, the IOC confirms that its suspension targeting Russia remains in place. Sources note that Russia’s full restrictions were imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and that athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus were affected by the ban at the international level. While some Russian athletes have previously been able to compete under neutral arrangements, the IOC’s current statement maintains that Russia is still subject to suspension rather than full reinstatement.
Overall, the IOC’s update separates the status of Belarus from Russia: Belarusian national participation is restored, while Russia’s broader suspension continues.
