Dutch Cabinet condemns planned Russian, Belarusian participation at Paralympics in Italy

The Dutch cabinet has expressed regret that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete under their own national flags at next month’s Paralympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, while confirming that a government delegation will still attend the event under strict conditions. The Dutch will not attend any official events where Russian or Belarusian flags, national anthems or other national symbols are present.

Sport Minister Mirjam Sterk wrote in a letter to the Tweede Kamer that the Netherlands considers the decision unacceptable in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and Belarus’ involvement. At the most recent Olympic Winter Games, a limited number of Russian and Belarusian athletes were permitted to compete, but only under a neutral flag rather than their national colors.

“The ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the involvement of Belarus make it unacceptable and painful that these countries are allowed to participate in international sporting events and that Russian or Belarusian flags, anthems or other national symbols are shown,” Sterk wrote.

Sterk emphasized that the Dutch government fully supports the Dutch Paralympic athletes. “These elite athletes deserve our support and recognition for their achievements,” she wrote. In deciding to send a delegation despite its objections, the cabinet took into account that Dutch athletes will compete only in individual events. “There are therefore no team sports in which a Dutch team could possibly face a Russian or Belarusian team,” Sterk said.

The cabinet’s position follows the line taken by NOC*NSF, the Dutch Olympic and sports federation. Earlier this week, the organization announced that its officials will stay away from the opening ceremony and from medal ceremonies involving Russian or Belarusian athletes, including any medals awarded to skiers, snowboarders or cross-country skiers from those countries.

The Netherlands finished third in the medal standings at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, setting a national record with 10 golds among 20 total medals, all in speed skating.