Russia pushes for full return of its athletes to international competition after IOC lift

The president of the Russian Ski Association, Dmitry Swishchow, said his federation is negotiating with the new International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) leadership to have Russian athletes compete again under the Russian flag. He indicated talks will occur with FIS president Alexander Ospelt, whose board meeting on 7 July may address the issue. Russian competitors were barred from FIS events in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine; the Court of Arbitration for Sport later ruled that the suspension was unlawful, allowing neutral participation only.

Separately, the International Olympic Committee has lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and removed bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes, a change that will apply to qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games and the 2028 Winter Youth Olympics. Polish double‑Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski expressed doubt that Russian teams will be allowed to compete in Poland, noting existing entry bans and legal restrictions. Other Polish Olympic figures, including Robert Korzeniowski, urged continued protest against the war in Ukraine and cautioned against normalising Russian participation.

The developments highlight ongoing negotiations and differing national responses as Russian athletes seek reinstatement across multiple sports disciplines.