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Concerns Rise Over Pro-War Sentiments Among ‘Neutral’ Russian Athletes at 2026 Winter Olympics
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Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – December 6, 2025 – Mounting evidence suggests that some Russian athletes competing under a ‘neutral’ flag at the 2026 Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics may harbor support for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This revelation, confirmed by BBC Sports on December 5th, casts a shadow over the International Olympic Commitee’s (IOC) efforts to allow individual Russian athletes to participate despite a ban on the nation’s team.
Neutral Status, Not Neutral Stances?
The participation of Russian athletes as neutrals is under scrutiny amid allegations of pro-war sentiments.
- Russia is banned from the Olympics due to the invasion of Ukraine.
- Athletes can compete as Individual Neutral Status (AIN) if they meet strict IOC conditions.
- Four athletes – Pyotr Gumennik, Savely Korostelev, Kseniya Korzova, and darya Nepryaeva – are facing scrutiny.
- Ukraine has formally raised concerns with the IOC regarding Gumennik and korzova.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to a ban on its Olympic participation. However, the IOC permitted athletes who could demonstrate they weren’t affiliated with the military or actively supporting the war to compete under the designation of Individual neutral Status (AIN). Thirteen Russian athletes were ultimately approved to participate in the upcoming Winter Games.
Figure Skater’s Controversial Ties
Figure skater Pyotr gumennik is at the center of the controversy due to his close relationship with Ilya Aberbuch, a vocal supporter of Russia’s invasion. Aberbuch, who holds the position of a sports ambassador in Crimea – a peninsula unilaterally annexed by Russia – has been actively involved in events within the occupied territory, even performing for Russian military personnel.Ukrainian authorities have sanctioned Aberbuch for his actions.
Savely Korostelev, a cross-country skier, is suspected of having connections to the Russian military. Reports indicate he recently ‘liked’ a social media post expressing support for President Putin and the Russian armed forces. Moreover, in 2023, CSKA, an organization with ties to the military, identified him as a ‘private soldier’ and ‘military skier’ in a published article.
Speed skater Kseniya Korzova also drew criticism for her online activity. She reportedly ‘liked’ a post supporting the war shared by gymnast Nikita Nagorny, who has been sanctioned by both the United Kingdom and the European Union due to his links to the Russian military.
Training in Disputed Territory
Cross-country skier Darya Nepryaeva sparked controversy by participating in a national team training camp held in Crimea shortly after the Russian invasion in 2022. This training session was broadcast on Russian state television.
The IOC’s regulations stipulate that athletes who actively support the war – through social media activity or participation in pro-war events – may face disqualification. Ukraine has officially communicated its concerns regarding Gumennik and Korzova to the IOC.
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