Ukrainian officials to boycott Winter Paralympics over decision to allow Russians to compete under their flag | World News

Ukrainian officials will boycott next month’s Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics over the participation of a handful of ​Russian and Belarusian ‌athletes who have been cleared ​to compete under their flags.

Russia ​and Belarus will ​have a combined 10 athletes at next month’s ⁠Winter Paralympics following Tuesday’s ​decision by the International ​Paralympic Committee.

Ukrainian athletes will still take ‌part in the March 6-15 Paralympic Games, but the country’s sports minister, Matviy Bidnyi, said no Ukraine official would be at the opening ceremony ⁠or any event ​of the Games.

Mr Bidnyi said: “In response to the outrageous decision to let Russians and Belarusians compete under their national flags, Ukrainian public officials will not attend the Paralympic Games.

“We will not be present at the opening ceremony. We will not take part in any other official Paralympic events.

“We thank every official from the free world who will do the same.

“We will keep fighting!”

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