The IOC has decided to allow Belarusians to compete under national symbols. Ukraine expressed protest and disappointment

The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine has condemned the decision of the International Olympic Committee to return representatives of Belarus to international competitions under their national symbols. This was stated in a declaration by the NOC, as reported by UNN. 

On May 7, 2026, the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee made a decision to allow Belarusian athletes to participate in official international competitions under their state flag, anthem, and other national symbols. The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine expresses its categorical protest and deep disappointment with this IOC decision, which contradicts the fundamental principles of justice, accountability, and Olympic values, 

The committee emphasized that this decision was made at a time when Belarus continues to support Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine and remains an accomplice to the war. 

The territory of Belarus is used to launch missiles and strike drones at Ukrainian cities, as well as for military logistics and support for the Russian army. In the military and humanitarian context, no changes have occurred that could serve as a basis for the return of Belarus representatives to international sports under national symbols, 

The NOC also emphasized that during more than four years of full-scale war, Russia, with the support of Belarus, has destroyed hundreds of sports facilities in Ukraine and taken the lives of more than 600 Ukrainian athletes and coaches. Many Ukrainian athletes today are defending our state with weapons in their hands, giving their lives for the freedom of Ukraine and the security of the democratic world.

Of particular concern is the fact that the National Olympic Committee of Belarus is headed by Viktor Lukashenko – the son of the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, whose regime is a direct ally of Russia in the war against Ukraine. Under such political control over sports, any statements about the "independence of sports from politics" appear cynical and detached from reality. The IOC's decision is a dangerous precedent for the entire international sports movement. Today, the world received a signal that a country that supports military aggression and is an accomplice to the war against Ukraine can return to the international arena without being held accountable for its actions. We are convinced: sport should unite the world around peace, respect, and human dignity, rather than becoming a platform for legitimizing regimes that support war and terror. The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine will continue to do everything possible to ensure that the voice of Ukrainian athletes is heard by the international community, 

Addendum

On Thursday, May 7, the International Olympic Committee lifted the recommendations regarding the restriction of participation of athletes and teams from Belarus in international competitions, which were introduced after the start of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine. 

The IOC recommends fully restoring the rights of Belarus in international sports, in particular, allowing athletes to compete under their own flag and with their anthem. The committee also lifted all restrictions that were introduced after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

As a reminder 

The Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, released information about 11 Russian athletes, coaches, and officials. According to the agency, they support the war against Ukraine but continue to participate in international competitions.