Paralympics body lifts sanctions against Russia and Belarus

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has lifted all sanctions against Russia and Belarus in connection with the Ukraine war.

The IPC general assembly in Seoul first voted against a full suspension of Russia on Saturday (111-55, 11 abstentions), and then also against the partial suspension that had been in place (91-77, 8).

The same votes were then conducted regarding Belarus, with the partial suspension also lifted.

"This decision means NPC Belarus and NPC Russia now regain their full rights and privileges of IPC membership, in accordance with the IPC Constitution," an IPC statement said.

"The IPC will work with the two members involved to put practical arrangements in place for this as soon as reasonably possible."

The two NPCs were partially suspended after the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and their athletes only allowed to compete as neutrals after a strict vetting process at last year's Games in Paris.

Russian and Belarusian athletes would be eligible to compete at the March 6-15 Milan/Cortina Winter Paralympics with their flag, anthem, and other symbols again.

But it is unclear whether they will be there, because the final decision is with the sports federations which are still imposing sanctions.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is meanwhile keeping its strict entry regulations for Russians and Belarusians from Paris in place for the February 6-22 Winter Games in Milan/Cortina.

After being permitted to take part, ahletes must compete as neutrals, not in team sports, and without any national symbols.

The IOC has also suspended the Russian Olympic Comittee because it says the ROC violated the Olympic Charter by integrating areas annexed by Russia from Ukraine.