The International Skating Union (ISU) has not announced a return of Russian and Belarusian athletes for the 2026–27 season. Contrary to recent claims, the ISU’s current policy remains a suspension of athletes and officials from both nations from all international competitions, a position maintained since March 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
Current ISU Policy on Russian and Belarusian Participation
The ISU Council reaffirmed its stance on the ongoing conflict in its most recent official communications. As of the latest updates from the governing body, the suspension of Russian and Belarusian skaters, as well as officials, remains in full effect. There is no confirmed timeline for their readmission to ISU-sanctioned events, including World Championships and the Grand Prix series.
The ISU’s original decision to exclude these athletes was issued on March 1, 2022. The organization cited the need to protect the integrity of competitions and ensure the safety of all participants. This policy has been reviewed periodically by the ISU Council but has not been rescinded.
Comparison with International Olympic Committee Guidance
While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has explored pathways for individual "Neutral Athletes" (AIN) from Russia and Belarus to compete in certain international sports, the ISU maintains independent authority over its own events.
In contrast to some other international federations that have moved to allow neutral participation under strict vetting processes, the ISU has prioritized the maintenance of its existing ban. The IOC’s framework for neutrality requires athletes to demonstrate they have no active links to the military or security agencies and have not expressed public support for the war in Ukraine. However, the ISU has not adopted this framework for its own figure skating, speed skating, or short track speed skating competitions.
Why the Status Quo Remains
The federation’s reluctance to readmit athletes from Russia and Belarus centers on two primary concerns:
- Safety and Security: The ISU has noted that the geopolitical climate makes it difficult to guarantee the safe conduct of events if athletes from the involved nations are present.
- Sporting Integrity: The ISU Council has expressed concern regarding the potential for political influence within sporting delegations.
Historical Context of Sanctions
Russia has faced various international sporting sanctions for years, though the current ban is distinct from previous measures. Following the state-sponsored doping scandal, Russian athletes were permitted to compete under the "Olympic Athlete from Russia" (OAR) designation in 2018 and as the "Russian Olympic Committee" (ROC) in 2021 and 2022.
The current exclusion, however, is a total ban based on the invasion of Ukraine, rather than a disciplinary measure related to anti-doping violations. There is no current evidence to suggest that the ISU will deviate from this total exclusion for the 2026–27 season. Any changes to this policy would require a formal vote and public announcement by the ISU Council, neither of which has occurred.
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