The readmission aligns with IOC guidance and follows broader shifts in international sport’s approach toward neutrals.

The International Skating Union (ISU) will allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under neutral status in figure skating, short track, and speed skating for the 2026/27 season, provided they do not display national flags or play national anthems.

Entry under neutral status is contingent on not being in active military service, not having participated in military actions in Ukraine, and not publicly supporting the war.

This marks a return after a 2022 ban, with limited neutral participation already allowed at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games under IOC guidance.

The policy takes effect immediately and applies from the 2026/27 season.

The announcement was reported on June 30, 2026, by the Associated Press, based on ISU communications.

The ISU published an official release outlining the readmission of neutral athletes and the framework for neutral participation on its website.

Neutral eligibility requires background checks verifying no ties to military or security services and no public support for the war, with a potential hearing or appeal if eligibility is withheld.

ISU reserves the right to relax or tighten restrictions based on safety and integrity concerns, and may reintroduce measures if issues arise.

Restrictions on symbols could be eased in the future if conditions remain safe and no integrity concerns emerge.

The move is framed as advancing sports equity on ice, as stated in the ISU communique.

For 2026/27, returning skaters will have reduced quotas due to their absence from ISU events for over three years and inability to earn ranking points.