Overview
- The ISU Council on Tuesday partially lifted its 2022 exclusion and authorized skaters from Russia and Belarus to enter ISU events in the 2026–27 season as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN).
- Athletes are ineligible if they are serving in the armed forces or security services, took part in combat since February 2022, or have actively and publicly supported the war, and eligibility will be decided by the ISU Council or an independent commission.
- Approved neutrals must not display national symbols and will not have national kit or anthems at events, and they may form AIN teams for relays and team competitions with each member bound by the neutrality rules.
- The ISU deferred decisions on returning Russian and Belarusian judges and officials until after the season and said it will monitor safety and integrity and can reintroduce or tighten measures if problems arise.
- The move follows IOC guidance and the presence of neutrals at the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Games and could still face visa obstacles, host‑country limits and political backlash at upcoming world championships in Finland, South Korea and China.