Seven Countries Boycott 2026 Paralympics Opening Ceremony Over Russia Flag Decision

Seven countries, including Ukraine, Czechia, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are boycotting the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympics opening ceremony in protest of the International Paralympic Committee's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. France has also announced it will not send government representatives to the opening and possibly closing ceremonies, expressing disagreement with the IPC's position. The IPC respects these decisions but confirmed the Games will proceed as planned.