EU flag banned from child, Russia and Belarus reinstated at Paralympics. Whose side is the IOC on? Milano Cortina 2026 under accusation
The Olympic helmet dedicated to the Ukrainian athletes who died in the war wasn’t enough, the IOC has done something else of its own. We are at the Santa Giulia Arena, in Milan. And, ahead of the USA-Sweden women’s hockey semifinal, a 12-year-old boy brings with him the European Union flag in the backpack. The security officer checks, sees the banner, blocks it. «Political symbol, cannot enter». The controller interpreted the rules of the International Olympic Committee literally: no waving of political symbols. But is the flag of Europe a political symbol or not? So is anything now a political symbol?
The Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation subsequently apologised (well, it was the minimum), admitting that “the situation was not handled correctly”. Late apologies, and insufficient to quell the controversy. So much so that, regarding this situation, the secretary of Action Carlo Calenda harshly commented: “They must have lost their minds.”
Russia and Belarus at the Paralympics
Meanwhile, a few days before the opening of the Winter Paralympics, another piece of news arrives: Russia and Belarus will return to parade with their flags. It’s not a last minute surprise, the decision dates back five months. But now that the ceremony is approaching, Ukraine has once again raised its tone. Kiev’s Sports Minister, Matviy Bidny, announced on X: «Scandalous, we will not be present at the opening ceremony». And Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called on other nations to follow Ukraine’s example.
Even the Italian government says it is against it: «The continuing violation of the Olympic truce by Russia, supported by Belarus, is incompatible with their participation», declare ministers Tajani and Abodi. The League, however, distances itself from this version: «The Olympics are a moment of sport, dialogue and friendship between peoples. It is good that athletes from all nations can compete under their flags.”
At Milano Cortina 2026, double standards
The president of the Italian Paralympic Committee Marco Giunio De Sanctis he cuts it short: «Athletes must compete, the rest is just politics». But he admits: «What is jarring is the double decision». Yes, because the IOC allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate only under a neutral flag, provided they were not under military contract and had not supported the invasion of Ukraine. The International Paralympic Committee, however, rejected the motion for partial suspension. For this, Russia and Belarus have regained their full rights.
In any case, the IOC and the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) they were convinced that no Russian athlete would show upconsidering the tight times for the qualifiers. But the Russian Ski Federation, 12 athletes and the Russian Paralympic Committee appealed to the Tas of Lausanne. And they won it. The same happened for the Belarusian Ski Federation and five athletes from the country.
And what do we want to say about the child with the European flag stopped at the entrance? Russia and Belarus return to march while Ukraine protests. Two weights, two measures. And whose side is the IOC on? The question remains suspended, while the Milan Cortina Paralympics are approaching and the climate is becoming increasingly tense.
