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Russian, Belarusian figure skaters to compete internationally under neutral flag

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 1:27 PM

Last updated Jun 30, 2026

Russian, Belarusian figure skaters to compete internationally under neutral flag

Summary

The International Skating Union (ISU) has lifted a ban on Russian and Belarusian figure skaters, allowing them to compete internationally again under a neutral flag. This decision comes after the ban imposed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Athletes from these countries must not be affiliated with military service or have publicly supported the war in Ukraine to be eligible. The ISU plans to provide continued support for Ukrainian skaters, emphasizing its condemnation of armed conflict. Other international federations have also begun to lift their bans, paving the way for broader participation.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•ISU allows Russian and Belarusian skaters to compete from next season.
•Competitors will not represent their nations' flags or anthems.
•Eligibility requires no military affiliation or support for the war.
•ISU continues to support Ukrainian skaters through various initiatives.
•Other federations have lifted bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Latest Updates

1:27 PMYahoo Sports — Russian figure skaters allowed to compete internationally again

What they're saying

"
Russian and Belarusian figure skaters will be able to compete internationally again under neutral flag from next season after the International Skating Union (ISU) lifted a ban imposed over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "Athletes representing Russia and Belarus will be able to compete without items of state recognition, namely national flags, national kit and national anthems," the ISU said in a statement on Tuesday.
— Yahoo Sports

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