Figure skaters, speed skaters and short track speed skaters from Russia and Belarus can compete as neutral athletes next season if they have not supported the war in Ukraine.
The International Skating Union Council made the decision taking into account “developments across the Olympic Movement and the differing approaches of other International Federations, including instances in which the lifting of restrictions has given rise to incidents at competitions, as well as the participation of neutral athletes in the 2025/26 Olympic qualification events and at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 without related incident.”
“Skaters should not be held responsible for the actions of their governments,” the ISU posted. “Safety remains the guiding consideration for any further easing. The ISU will continue to monitor conditions at ISU events and will relax restrictions further only when satisfied that no safety or integrity issues arise, and reserves the right to reintroduce or increase restrictive measures should such issues emerge.”
Since March 2023, the IOC has recommended that athletes from Russia can return to senior international competition as neutral athletes in individual events and only if they do not actively support the war in Ukraine.
Last month, the IOC updated its recommendation for athletes from Belarus, recommending that athletes and teams from that nation can compete internationally with their nation’s name, flag and colors.
Ultimately, it is up to each Olympic sport’s international federation to decide whether and how to readmit athletes from Russia and Belarus.
“The ISU continues to condemn all armed conflict around the world,” the ISU posted. “The ISU continues to provide financial support to Ukrainian skaters through various initiatives, including the ISU Development Program, contributions to the Ukrainian Skating Federation, and a support program for displaced skaters.”
Previously, select skaters from Russia and Belarus were allowed to compete as neutrals in qualifying competitions for the 2026 Olympics in late 2025 and at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.
Next season, they are eligible for “ISU events and international competitions” without national flags, uniforms or anthems. That includes participating in team events such as the World Team Trophy in figure skating, team pursuits in speed skating and relays in short track.
Skaters will not be eligible if they are in active military or security service of Russia or Belarus, have taken part in military operations during the war or have at any time since February 2022 actively and publicly supported the war.
