The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has advised sports federations to discontinue the vetting program for Russian athletes seeking neutral status ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision follows an earlier recommendation to allow athletes to compete under their national identity.

The IOC reiterated its solidarity with Ukraine's Olympic community and confirmed continued support. While Russian athletes and teams have eased entry requirements for IOC events, the full reinstatement of Russia's national flag and anthem remains pending. The IOC provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, imposed in October 2023 due to the incorporation of regional sports councils from occupied Ukrainian regions.

This change contrasts sharply with the 2024 Paris Olympics, where only 32 approved Russian and Belarusian athletes competed neutrally, winning five medals. The Russian team at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics comprised over 300 athletes and secured 71 medals. The IOC also stipulated that Russian athletes must undergo multiple doping controls and participate in recognized testing programs to rebuild confidence in the global sporting community. The committee will continue to refrain from organizing events in Russia or inviting Russian state officials.