Ukraine Accuses IPC of Systematic Pressure at Milan Cortina Paralympic Games

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Ukraine’s Paralympic Committee has formally accused the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and local organizers of the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games of subjecting Ukrainian athletes and coaches to “systematic pressure.” The allegations, released in a statement on Wednesday, detail a series of incidents that the Ukrainian committee claims demonstrate a pattern of disrespect and undue influence.

Allegations of Pressure and Disrespect

The Ukrainian Paralympic Committee outlined several specific incidents that fueled their accusations. These include:

• The alleged forceful removal of a Ukrainian flag.
• The disruption of planning meetings held by the Ukrainian team.
• The prohibition of a Ukrainian athlete, Olexandra Kononova, from wearing earrings inscribed with “Stop War” during a podium ceremony.
• The taking away of flags from family members of parabiathlete Taras Rad.

The committee stated they initially believed these incidents were isolated, but recent events have led them to conclude that the pressure is “systematic” and “shameful.”

IPC Response

Craig Spence, the IPC’s chief brand and communications officer, expressed surprise at the Ukrainian committee’s statement. He noted that the IPC had received no prior feedback on these issues through the regularly scheduled chef de mission meetings or through formal or informal communication channels within the Paralympic Village. Spence stated that the IPC became aware of the allegations solely through media reports.

Seeking Resolution

The Ukrainian National Paralympic Committee indicated a desire to avoid escalating the situation and initially hoped the incidents were “random in nature and not biased.” Still, the committee maintains that the accumulating evidence points to a deliberate pattern of unfavorable treatment.

The situation is developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.