The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, clearing the way for Russian athletes to compete under their national banner at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The ban, imposed in October 2023 after the ROC incorporated sports councils from occupied Ukrainian territories, had forced Russians to compete as neutrals at the Paris 2024 and Milan 2026 Games.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said athletes should not bear responsibility for their government's actions, noting the ROC no longer includes members from Ukrainian-jurisdiction territories. The IOC has advised international federations to end neutral-status vetting ahead of LA 2028 qualifiers, though no decision has been made on Russia's flag, colours, or anthem. Athletes must still undergo rigorous anti-doping controls.
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev welcomed the decision as a full return to international sport. The Czech Olympic Committee, however, expressed disagreement with the move.