The International Skating Union (ISU) announces it lifts the ban that has kept Russian and Belarusian skaters and officials out of its events since Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Multiple outlets report the ISU allows athletes from the two countries to return to international competition next season, including major events such as world championships and ISU Grand Prix competitions, but only under “approved neutral status.”
Under the reinstatement, skaters compete without national identifiers. Sources agree that Russian and Belarusian athletes will not use their national flags, anthems, or other state symbols during ISU events. The decision is framed as a return to participation through neutral designation rather than full country-based eligibility.
The announcements also note upcoming event locations for the relevant discipline at the world level. In 2027, figure skating world championships are scheduled in Finland, while short track events are hosted in South Korea.
