Several Russian athletes, approved to compete as neutrals in the upcoming Winter Olympics, are under scrutiny for their connections to activities supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. This investigation, conducted by BBC Sport and published on February 4, highlights concerns regarding these athletes’ affiliations.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has sanctioned 13 Russian athletes to participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs). This decision followed a rigorous review process to ensure these athletes have not actively endorsed the war. However, questions have arisen about their associations with pro-war figures, including ties to Russian officials and military-backed individuals.

Among those scrutinized are figure skater Petr Gumennik and cross-country skier Savelii Korostelev, both linked to individuals with pro-war stances or affiliations with Russian military organizations. Additionally, athletes Kseniia Korzhova and Dariya Nepryaeva have been criticized for supporting military-related figures or attending training camps in Ukrainian Crimea, occupied by Russian forces since 2014.

Previously, Ukrainian officials criticized the International Judo Federation (IJF) for allowing Russian athletes to compete under their national flag. The IOC’s framework for neutrality has faced legal and ethical challenges, with some international sports bodies, such as the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), attempting to bar these athletes. Despite this, the IOC has maintained its criteria for neutral participation, as reported by BBC Sport.

Despite the scrutiny, the IOC asserts that all athletes meet the established neutrality criteria, which include no active support for the war and no ties to the Russian military. Earlier reports indicated that Russian and Belarusian athletes would not compete in the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, despite the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) lifting its suspension on both countries.

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