The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension imposed on the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) in October 2023 after determining that the organisation no longer includes regional sports bodies operating in territories under the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee. The ROC has also assured the IOC that it will not conduct activities in those territories, although the IOC said it will continue monitoring the situation and reserves the right to impose further measures if necessary.
With qualification for the LA 2028 Olympic Games and the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games now underway, the IOC Executive Board has withdrawn its previous recommendations to International Federations (IFs) and international event organisers concerning the participation of Russian athletes and teams. Those recommendations, first introduced in 2022 and revised in 2023 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, are no longer considered applicable.
The IOC stressed that the Russian Olympic Committee must continue to comply with the Olympic Charter, ensuring that athletes selected for the Olympic Games are chosen not only on sporting merit but also on their commitment to promoting peace and the Olympic values. The organisation noted that similar participation restrictions on Belarusian athletes had already been lifted in May 2026.
Despite the policy change, Russian athletes returning to international competition will remain subject to strict anti-doping requirements. The IOC cited ongoing concerns surrounding the governance of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) and confirmed that athletes must be included in a national anti-doping programme overseen by the International Testing Agency (ITA). Athletes making their return will also be required to undergo multiple anti-doping tests before competing internationally, while International Federations must agree with the ITA on comprehensive testing programmes. Should RUSADA still be deemed non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the IOC said it will require independent testing of all qualified Russian athletes.
The IOC clarified that decisions regarding the hosting of international competitions in Russia, the invitation of Russian government officials, and the use of the Russian flag, anthem and national symbols remain entirely at the discretion of each International Federation and event organiser. The IOC itself confirmed that it will not stage its events in Russia or invite Russian government representatives to IOC competitions, while decisions concerning Russian national symbols at future Olympic Games will be taken closer to the events.
The Olympic body also emphasised that its position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not changed. It reiterated its strong condemnation of the invasion and reaffirmed its broader opposition to wars and armed conflicts worldwide. The IOC pledged to continue supporting Ukraine’s Olympic community through its Solidarity Fund, which provides financial assistance, travel, accommodation, training facilities, equipment and other logistical support to Ukrainian athletes.
Reflecting on the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes, the IOC noted that its recommendations introduced in March 2023 had generally been implemented successfully. Individual Neutral Athletes have since competed at numerous international events, including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, with very few reported incidents.
The IOC said the evolving geopolitical landscape and discussions held through its “Fit for the Future” process had reinforced the principle that athletes should have access to international competition free from political interference or government pressure. This approach was endorsed by the Olympic Summit, the IOC Executive Board and the IOC Session throughout 2025 and 2026, culminating in amendments strengthening the Fundamental Principles of Olympism within the Olympic Charter.
The organisation also reaffirmed its view that athletes should not automatically be excluded from international sport because of the actions of their governments. It pointed to previous decisions allowing Belarusian athletes back into competition and easing restrictions on Russian and Belarusian youth athletes ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Finally, the IOC acknowledged that International Federations have adopted different approaches when applying its guidance, with some fully readmitting Russian athletes under normal conditions, others requiring neutral status, and some continuing to exclude them altogether depending on their own regulations and sporting circumstances.
