# IBU suspension of Russia and Belarus > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ibu-suspension-of-russia-and-belarus > Updated: 2026-08-31T14:09:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has maintained the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes, deciding not to include their reinstatement on the agenda for the upcoming Congress in Germany. The IBU Executive Council stated that both nations failed to meet necessary conditions, citing a lack of distance from the war in Ukraine and the continued involvement of athletes or officials in armed forces. While the International Olympic Committee has moved toward allowing eligible athletes from these nations to compete as neutral individuals, the IBU has not followed suit. In response, the Russian Biathlon Union has filed a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, alleging the decision is discriminatory and inconsistent with the Olympic Charter. As the exclusion continues, the Belarusian national biathlon team enters its fifth season without international competition access. Coaching staff have reported difficulties in maintaining athlete motivation, particularly among female athletes, though new coaching appointments have been made to improve squad morale and results. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Belarusian biathlon team faces uncertainty amid competition ban Belarusian biathlon coach Oleg Ryzhenkov warns of declining athlete motivation as the team faces its fifth season without international competition, despite new coaching additions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belarusian-biathlon-team-faces-uncertainty-amid-competition-ban ### 2026-08-19: International Biathlon Union maintains suspension of Russia and Belarus The International Biathlon Union will not discuss lifting the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes at its upcoming September Congress, citing failure to meet necessary conditions. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-biathlon-union-maintains-suspension-of-russia-and-belarus --- Cite as: IBU suspension of Russia and Belarus. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ibu-suspension-of-russia-and-belarus