The International Olympic Committee has decided that Russian athletes may again participate in the Olympics regardless of political stance. The decision applies from the Los Angeles 2028 Games onward.
The International Olympic Committee announced the decision on 7 July 2026. Russian athletes may therefore qualify through international federations from the Los Angeles 2028 Games onward.
Swedish Olympic Committee Chairman Hans von Uthmann described the decision as sad and unfortunate. He noted that the situation between Russia and Ukraine has not changed.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry called the decision hasty and unfounded. Some sports federations such as World Athletics maintain total bans on Russian participants.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry stressed that athletes should not be held responsible for their government’s actions. Russia has been suspended since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.