Western Nations Back IOC Plan for Neutral Russian and Belarusian Athletes at Paris Olympics

The British government joins France, Germany, and the U.S. in supporting the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes under strict neutrality conditions.

• The IOC and IPC have decided that Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete in the Paris Olympics as neutrals, provided they haven't supported the Ukraine invasion or are linked to the military.
• Britain, initially opposing the plan, has now endorsed the IOC's stance, aligning with France, Germany, and the U.S.
• Athletes from Russia and Belarus will compete without national symbols, not participate in the opening ceremony, and will be vetted for neutrality.
• A Ukrainian boycott of the Games has softened, with guidance issued on avoiding proximity to Russian athletes.
• Russia and Belarus have not yet decided on preventing their athletes from competing, despite the opportunity to win medals as neutrals.

3 Articles

Deutsche Welle Evening Standard The Guardian