The International Olympic Committee has lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. This decision allows Russian athletes to compete for their country at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The IOC suspended the committee in 2023 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The governing body stated a thorough analysis determined the ban was no longer applicable. Athletes must still meet anti-doping requirements to participate.
The IOC will separately decide on the use of Russian flags, colors, and anthems. It stressed it continues to strongly condemn the war in Ukraine. Russian athletes previously competed as neutrals at recent Olympics.
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev called the move a signal that the Olympic movement must remain free from politics. The decision comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets NATO allies in Turkey.