Foreign Minister Berendsen calls Russian Paralympic participation “incomprehensible”
The Dutch government condemned Russia and Belarus for being allowed to compete under their national flags at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, citing ongoing attacks on Ukraine.
The Netherlands did not send officials to Friday night’s opening ceremony in Verona; however, a delegation will attend other events on the condition that they avoid official events featuring Russian or Belarusian flags, national anthems, or other symbols.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Sport Minister Sterk are scheduled to attend various Paralympic events later in the week.
"Last night, Russia carried out more attacks on energy infrastructure & railways in Ukraine. It's incomprehensible that Russia is competing under its flag at the Paralympic Games today while it continues these attacks," Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen wrote on X. "Russia will not break Ukraine. We keep supporting Ukraine," he added.
Sport Minister Mirjam Sterk previously detailed the Dutch objections in a letter to the Tweede Kamer, saying the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes under their flags is “unacceptable and painful” given the ongoing Russian war and Belarus’ involvement. She noted that at the most recent Olympic Winter Games, Russian and Belarusian athletes competed only under a neutral flag.
The Dutch Olympic and sports federation, NOC*NSF, aligned with the government’s stance, announcing earlier that officials would skip the opening ceremony and medal ceremonies involving Russian or Belarusian athletes, including skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country events.
The Netherlands set a national record at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, finishing third in the medal standings with 10 golds among 20 total medals, all in speed skating.
