Published：Feb 19, 09:54Last updated：Feb 21, 19:24

Paralympic Controversy Over Russian Athletes at Milan-Cortina

Feb. 19, 2026 09:54

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajan proposed not to grant visas to staff accompanying Russian athletes participating in the Milan-Cortina Paralympics. The suggestion reflects a stance on restricting access for certain personnel during the event. The statement was made on February 19, 2026.

Summarized

10News

6Media

Feb. 21, 2026 15:17

Paolo Zampolli, Trump’s special representative, welcomed Russia’s return to the Paralympic Games, where Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete under their flags at the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics in March. The IPC’s decision to lift bans followed the Ukraine conflict escalation, despite criticism from Ukraine and the Czech Republic, who plan to boycott the opening ceremony. Zampolli expressed support, emphasizing sport for all, while the US did not oppose the IPC’s decision, which was supported by most EU countries and others.

Feb. 21, 2026 19:24

On February 21, 2026, a European Parliament member criticized the opposition to Russian participation in the Paralympic Games. The politician, Roberto Vannacci, expressed views against the Italian government's stance, amid ongoing debates about Russia's exclusion from the event.

Italy’s decision to restrict Russian participation in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Paralympics has ignited a heated international debate. The Italian government, in coordination with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), has imposed strict limitations on Russian and Belarusian athletes, including visa restrictions for support staff and opposition to national symbols. These measures have drawn criticism from Russian officials, international envoys, and European politicians, highlighting the intersection of sports and geopolitics in the lead-up to the Games.

🏅 Italy’s Restrictions and Rationale

Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that staff accompanying Russian athletes would not be granted visas for the Paralympics. The Italian Ministry of Sports reinforced this stance, refusing to issue special visas for Russian escorts. Additionally, Italy has strongly opposed the display of Russian flags and anthems at the event, citing the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Belarus. These actions reflect Italy’s broader policy of limiting Russian influence in international sporting events as a response to geopolitical tensions. Russian Gazette+2

🌍 International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout

The IPC’s decision to allow a limited number of Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete—reportedly only six Russians after significant delays—has been met with condemnation from Russian representatives, including Dolgopolov, who called the restrictions discriminatory. Meanwhile, Paolo Zampolli, special envoy for former President Trump, publicly endorsed Russian participation, a move that drew sharp criticism from several European capitals. The U.S. government did not oppose the IPC’s decision, while some EU countries and Ukraine criticized the move, with Ukraine and the Czech Republic threatening to boycott the opening ceremony. The Japan Times+2

🗣️ Political and Public Debate in Europe

The controversy has sparked intense debate within Europe. Italian politician Roberto Vannacci and other European Parliament members have voiced opposition to the Italian government’s restrictive stance, arguing for the inclusion of Russian athletes under fair conditions. The IPC’s efforts to balance inclusivity with international pressure have led to a divided response among EU member states, with most supporting the decision to allow Russian participation under certain conditions, while others remain firmly opposed. RIA Novosti+3

Milan-CortinaAntonio TajaniPaolo ZampolliRoberto VannacciInternational Paralympic Committee