The UK government will boycott the Winter Paralympics opening and closing ceremonies after Russian and Belarusian athletes were invited to compete under their national flags. Six athletes from Russia and four from Belarus will represent their countries at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, marking the first time a Russian flag has flown at a Paralympic event since Sochi 2014.

Previously, athletes from these nations competed as neutrals at last month's Winter Olympics. The International Paralympic Committee lifted its partial ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes last year. This decision follows sanctions imposed after Russia's state-sponsored doping program and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The move represents a significant shift in Paralympic policy regarding athletes from these nations.

A UK government spokesperson stated they strongly oppose the IPC's decision, arguing that Russian and Belarusian states should not be represented in international sport while the invasion of Ukraine continues. This diplomatic boycott means no UK ministers or officials will attend the ceremonies, though British athletes will still compete. The absence of government representatives at these key events signals the UK's continued condemnation of Russia's actions.