The International Paralympic Committee has prohibited the Ukrainian Paralympic Team from wearing their national uniform due to the inclusion of elements of the Ukrainian map within its internationally recognized borders. This was stated by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
“The International Paralympic Committee has prohibited the Ukrainian Paralympic Team from wearing their national uniform due to… its inclusion of elements of the Ukrainian map within its internationally recognized borders,” Sybiha wrote.
He sharply criticized the IPC leadership, saying the organization’s bureaucrats were ready to damage the committee’s reputation by acting against UN General Assembly resolutions, Ukraine’s territorial integrity and international law.
“There is no moral low that the IPC bureaucrats would not reach. They are ready to ruin the remains of the Committee’s reputation by acting against UNGA resolutions, Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and international law, only to please Russian war criminals,” the minister said.
Sybiha also called on the international community, including states and national Paralympic committees, to condemn the IPC’s actions and boycott the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.
“We urge the international community, including all countries and national Paralympic committees, to condemn the IPC’s immoral actions, including their disgraceful decision to allow blood-stained Russian and Belarusian flags, and to boycott the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games,” he added.
“Please, take a clear stance and refuse to be part of the IPC’s war crimes sportswashing,” Sybiha wrote.