Seven countries to boycott Paralympics ceremony over flag-flying Russians

"We have been clear that the Russian and Belarusian states should not be represented in international sport while the barbaric full-scale invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. But it did say in a statement that the minister for sport, Stephanie Peacock, would be in Cortina purely to support our inspirational ParalympicsGB athletes."

"Our clear focus remains on supporting all stakeholders arriving and preparing to deliver the best Paralympic Winter Games. We are collaborating with Milano Cortina and ensuring this event continues to serve as a platform to drive social change for the world's 1.3 billion persons with disability."

Seven European nations—Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine—along with the British government are boycotting the Winter Paralympics opening ceremony in protest of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing. The UK government confirmed no representatives will attend, reiterating opposition to Russian athletes competing under their own flag. The International Paralympic Committee estimates fewer than 60% of competing countries will send full delegations to the event in Verona. IPC President Andrew Parsons defended allowing Russian athletes to compete under their own flag for the first time since 2014, stating the focus remains on supporting stakeholders and delivering a successful Games while serving as a platform for social change for the world's 1.3 billion persons with disabilities.

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