Is Ukraine facing “systematic pressure” at Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics 2026? Local organizers respond to the official's accusations

Organizers of the Milano Cortina Paralympic Games 2026 have responded after officials from Ukraine claimed their athletes and coaches faced repeated pressure during the tournament.

The Ukrainian Paralympic committee earlier said its delegation had been treated unfairly during several incidents inside the athletes’ village and at competition venues. Local organizers and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) reviewed the complaints and defended their actions. They said all rules applied during the Games were standard regulations meant to ensure neutrality and fairness for every participating delegation.

The dispute came after Ukrainian officials said they were forced to remove a national flag from a shared space, stop holding planning meetings in certain areas, and prevent an athlete from wearing a “Stop War” earring during a medal ceremony. Ukrainian officials described these incidents as disrespectful. However, the organizing committee said its decisions followed established Games policies.

Organizers say rules were applied equally to all delegations

Officials from the Milan Cortina organizing committee said they carefully examined the concerns raised by Ukraine.

They explained that the removal of the Ukrainian flag from a communal area was based on village regulations. According to organizers, national flags are allowed only in the residential zones assigned to each team. Because the flag was displayed in a shared space used by many delegations, officials asked that it be taken down.Organizers also addressed complaints about meetings. They said every delegation has the option to reserve private rooms within the Paralympic Village for team discussions and strategy sessions.

According to the committee, staff members regularly assist teams in booking meeting spaces that suit their needs.Another issue involved a Ukrainian athlete who wanted to wear an earring displaying the words “Stop War” during a podium ceremony. IPC chief brand and communications officer Craig Spence had previously explained that the decision to block the item was based on Games regulations that prohibit political messaging during official ceremonies.

Officials said such rules are designed to maintain political neutrality at the event.Organizers also described an incident at the Para cross-country skiing venue. Security staff stopped five spectators who were wearing scarves in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag that also contained written messages. Since security personnel could not immediately determine what the text meant and feared it might contain political slogans, the fans were asked to remove the scarves before entering.

The committee later clarified that the items were returned to the spectators once they left the venue.Officials said they remain focused on ensuring a respectful atmosphere throughout the Games. They emphasized that the same rules and procedures are applied to every team and visitor to protect fairness and neutrality during the competition.