UK government confirm Winter Paralympics boycott amid return of Russian athletes

6 Mar 2026 • 12:45 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The UK Government has announced it will boycott the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Paralympics.
  • This decision is in protest against the controversial inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their own national flags.
  • It marks the first time Russian and Belarusian flags will be present at a sporting event since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
  • Ukraine, Poland, Germany, and Finland are among several other European countries also boycotting the ceremonies.
  • While no UK Government ministers or officials will attend the ceremonies, the Minister for Sport will be present to support ParalympicsGB athletes.

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