Overview
- Ukraine’s Paralympic committee accused the IPC and local organizers of subjecting its team to “systematic pressure,” citing a flag removal, disrupted planning meetings, and an athlete told to remove “Stop War” earrings before a podium ceremony.
- The IPC said it was surprised by the allegations and noted Ukraine had not raised concerns through daily chef de mission meetings or other formal or informal village channels.
- Local organizers said a Ukrainian flag was taken down from a communal area under village rules that allow national flags only within teams’ residential zones, adding that delegations can book dedicated rooms for meetings.
- IPC spokesman Craig Spence said the earrings were addressed because they likely breached supplementary regulations on demonstrations that were communicated to all National Paralympic Committees.
- Organizers said five spectators at a cross-country venue were asked to remove scarves in Ukrainian colors bearing text that could not be verified for political messaging, and the IPC separately opened a review into a German podium protest during the Russian anthem.