ISU clears Russian and Belarusian speed skaters and figure skaters to return to international competition under neutral status

The International Skating Union (ISU) has cleared Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in international events under neutral status during the 2026/2027 season, according to an official press release published on the organization’s website. Figure skaters and speed skaters will not be permitted to display national flags, play national anthems, or wear national uniforms while competing.

The ISU said athletes may participate provided there is “no evidence of breaches of athletes’ neutral status.” The statement does not define that phrase. It likely refers to a requirement that athletes not publicly support the full-scale war against Ukraine or have ties to the Russian military.

The decision does not extend to sports officials from Russia and Belarus, who remain barred from competitions. The ISU said it is developing a plan for their return.

Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from international competition in the spring of 2022 following the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Since then, figure skaters and speed skaters have had only one opportunity to compete at a major international event. In December 2024, they were allowed to take part in the qualifying tournament for the 2026 Winter Olympics, also as neutral athletes. At the Games, held in early 2026, 13 athletes represented Russia, including six figure skaters and speed skaters.