Russian Flag Raised at Paralympics After 10 Years

For the first time in ten years, the Russian flag was raised at a Paralympic event, coinciding with the medal wins of Russian athletes Aleksei Bugaev and Varvara Voronchikhina during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics. This event marks the first appearance of the Russian flag at an Olympic-related event since sanctions were imposed due to a widespread doping scandal linked to the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The International Paralympic Committee approved the participation of Russian athletes, allowing them to compete under their national symbol during its general assembly in September of the previous year. The last official raising of the Russian flag on an Olympic podium occurred during the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Despite years of restrictions, Russian athletes have continued to train, and Voronchikhina expressed happiness at seeing the Russian flag displayed again after a long absence.