The Minister of Sports of Ukraine, Matvii Bidni, and other officials are outraged by the IPC's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags at the 2026 Paralympic Games.

The decision of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags at the 2026 Paralympic Games has sparked outrage in Ukraine. The Minister of Sports, Matvii Bidni, expressed disappointment and anger at this decision, emphasizing that it is unacceptable for murderers and their accomplices to participate in such an event. Additionally, Valeri Sușkevici, the president of the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee, expressed extreme upset, stating that Russia should not be represented at international competitions. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, athletes from these countries were banned from competing under their national flags, but the IPC lifted this ban, now allowing them to participate in competitions. Despite the presence of Russian athletes, Sușkevici stated that Ukraine will not boycott the Paralympic Games, believing that absence would mean a victory for Russia. This situation has generated controversy, and another Ukrainian athlete, Vladislav Heraskevici, criticized the IPC's decision, comparing it to accepting former Russian soldiers to spread propaganda.