Local organizers of the Milan Cortina Paralympics defended their actions after Ukraine’s Paralympic committee accused them and the IPC of “systematic pressure” on Ukrainian athletes. Key issues included the removal of a Ukrainian flag from a communal space and a ban on an athlete’s “Stop War” earring during a podium ceremony, which organizers attributed to Games regulations. The committee emphasized adherence to rules designed to ensure a respectful environment for all participants. Ukraine, along with other countries, boycotted the opening ceremony over the IPC’s decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under their own flag.
