On July 7, 2026, Russia moved closer to competing with a full team under its national flag and anthem at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, ending a three-year program that required Russian athletes to be vetted before competing as neutrals.

The IOC explained that the timing coincides with the start of qualifying events for the Los Angeles Games and emphasized "the need to offer equal access to these competitions to all athletes."

This decision also signals Russia's return to team sports at the Olympics. It follows an earlier IOC recommendation allowing athletes from Belarus, Russia's ally during its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, to compete under their full national identity.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated, "We don't want to hold athletes accountable for the actions of their governments," calling the decision fair. Coventry, a two-time Olympic swimming gold medallist for Zimbabwe, added, "I wouldn't be sitting here if I had to pay the price when my country was going through things and being sanctioned."

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov welcomed the move, saying, "Our country's return to the Olympic family is a green light for international federations to restore the rights of our athletes."

The Russian Olympic Committee had been suspended in 2023 after incorporating regional sports councils from occupied areas of eastern Ukraine. To address concerns in the global sporting community about Russian athletes' return, the IOC requires these athletes to undergo multiple doping controls and participate in a recognized testing program.

Despite the provisional lifting of the suspension, Ukraine has expressed strong objections to Russia's return under its flag and anthem.

Sources