Spread the word The Russian flag has been raised at a Paralympic podium ceremony for the first time in a decade following medal-winning performances by Russian athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics. The development marks the first time the national flag has appeared during an Olympics-related event since restrictions were imposed on Russia over doping violations and geopolitical issues. The decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under their national symbols was approved by the International Paralympic Committee during its General Assembly in September last year. Russia had previously been barred from competing under its flag after sanctions were imposed following widespread doping scandals linked to the 2014 Winter Olympics. The restrictions were later strengthened in 2023 following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russian flag was last officially raised at an Olympic podium during the 2016 Summer Olympics. At the ongoing Paralympics, Russian athletes made a quiet return to the international stage, with Aleksei Bugaev and Varvara Voronchikhina both claiming bronze medals in the men’s and women’s downhill standing events respectively. The athletes were supported by a small group of Russian fans who waved a single national flag during the medal ceremony. Speaking after his race, Bugaev said Russian athletes continued to train despite years of restrictions from international competitions. Voronchikhina, competing in her first Paralympic Games, expressed happiness at seeing the Russian flag displayed again. “We have been without a flag for a very long time, and I’m really happy about that for my country and my teammates,” she said.