Russian and Belarusian figure skaters cleared to compete under neutral flag

The International Skating Union (ISU) has lifted the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to take part in international figure‑skating competitions without displaying national symbols. The decision applies from the 2026/2027 season and covers both individual and team events. Athletes may compete under a neutral flag only if they are not actively serving in the armed forces or security agencies and have not publicly supported the war in Ukraine.

The ISU said the move reflects changes across the Olympic movement and aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s policy of neutral participation. While quotas for Russian and Belarusian skaters will be reduced because of their three‑year absence from ISU events, the federation will continue to support Ukrainian skaters financially. The ban, originally imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, is therefore effectively ended for the two countries.