Three days before the opening ceremony of the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina, the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS) expressed solidarity with Ukraine: Because athletes from Russia and Belarus are allowed to run under their own flag, the German team is staying away from the opening.
“Against this background, we have decided together that Team Germany Paralympics will not take part in the march of the nations as part of the opening ceremony in Verona.”writes the DBS in a press release. The decision serves “Both the concentration on the upcoming competitions and the concern to respectfully express the solidarity attitude towards the Ukrainian delegation.”
Given current developments, it is even more important to preserve the core of the Paralympic idea: fair competitions in a peaceful environment in which athletes from all over the world can present their achievements and personal stories. Paralympic athletes represent courage, determination and overcoming challenges – and they inspire people around the world. Especially in challenging times, it remains our common task to visibly live the Paralympic values and resolutely protect the integrity of the sport.” DBS press release
180 degree turnaround within a week
Just last week, the German Disabled Sports Association declared that it was not planning a boycott of the opening ceremony. They want to focus “on the sporting competitions,” said DBS President Hans Jörg-Michels.
In September 2025, the General Assembly of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) voted by a majority to lift the suspension of the warring countries. Athletes from Russia and Belarus are allowed to compete under their own flag, show national emblems and, if successful, hear their anthem.
Ukraine and other countries also want to boycott the opening
Ukraine had already announced a boycott of the Paralympics opening during the Winter Olympics, with Estonia and the Czech Republic joining in, among others. The Italian government strongly criticized the IPC decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under the flag.
IPC prohibits Ukraine clothing with map
Before the boycott, the IPC once again caused a stir when it banned the Ukrainians’ team clothing. The reason: The suits showed a map of Ukraine including Crimea and the areas currently occupied by Russia.
“According to the IPC rules for Paralympics uniforms, ‘lyrics of national anthems, motivational words, public/political messages or slogans relating to national identity’ are prohibited.”said an IPC spokesman. The map of a state falls under this.
“In dialogue with the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee, an alternative was presented within 24 hours, which was approved by the IPC”the association further announced. However, there was massive criticism from Ukraine.
Skeletoni Heraskevych: “Shameful decision”
The head of the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee Valeriy Sushkevych criticized the fact that the previous outfit (“very beautiful, very symbolic”) had to be changed hastily. “We just managed to finish a new uniform”said Suschkewych.
The Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was not allowed to compete at the Winter Olympics because of his helmet, called the ban on Instagram a “shameful decision”.
