More countries to skip Paralympics opening over Russian flags
2026 Winter Paralympics begin March 6 (Photo: REUTERS/Claudia Greco)
Austrian, Romanian, and UK officials will skip the 2026
Winter Paralympics opening ceremony after the International Paralympic
Committee allowed Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags, Foreign
Minister Andrii Sybiha said on March 4.
Sybiha wrote in a Twitter post that 14 countries and the European Union have already declined to participate after Russia and Belarus were allowed “to wave their blood-stained flags.”
“We appreciate all of our partners who took this morally sound stance,” the minister said.
“These aren't simply flags — these are symbols of an aggressive war that killed at least 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, damaged 800 sports facilities, and resulted in hundreds of thousands of war crimes.”
He urged all other countries to refrain from sending representatives to the ceremony.
“Say no to war propaganda and sportswashing,” Sybiha
concluded.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
