The opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Paralympics is facing an escalating boycott, with a growing number of nations planning to skip the event in protest against the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their national flags.

The controversy threatens to overshadow the start of the Games, which are set to open in Verona next week.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) made the contentious decision in September 2025 to allocate 10 combined slots to Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to participate with their national anthems and flags.

This move has ignited a political storm, set against the backdrop of Russia’s four-year invasion of Ukraine.

Following Ukraine’s initial decision to boycott the ceremony last week, Finland has now confirmed its non-attendance, according to IPC Chief Brand and Communications Officer Craig Spence.

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The Czech Republic, which had initially cited competition schedules for its absence in December, has since reversed its stance, declaring its intention to boycott the event. Latvia, Poland, and the Netherlands have also publicly stated their plans to boycott.

However, Canada and Britain will not be attending the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts, as their athletes are slated to compete in Alpine skiing the following day in Cortina, approximately 250 km from Verona.

Mr Spence stated: “The IPC is not aware of any other nations choosing not to participate or to boycott the ceremony.”

Many National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), particularly from Europe, including the host nation Italy, have voiced strong disagreement with the IPC’s decision.

They argue that Russian and Belarusian athletes should compete as neutrals, mirroring their status at the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games held earlier this month.

The IPC, however, is committed to ensuring all athletes receive recognition. Mr Spence confirmed that Games organisers would film content featuring athletes who do not attend in person, to be shown during the ceremony.

“We want all of them to have strong visibility in the opening ceremony,” he added.

The Milano Cortina Paralympics are scheduled to run from March 6 to March 15.

The IPC anticipates a record turnout, with more than 600 athletes from over 50 countries expected, pending final confirmation next week. Italy plans to send a delegation of around 20 to 25 athletes, primarily comprising its para ice hockey team.

This edition marks the first “spread-out” Paralympic Winter Games, with competitions across three clusters: Milan, Val di Fiemme, and Cortina.

This geographic distribution means fewer athletes will attend the opening ceremony, especially those competing the next day. Nevertheless, all national flags will be carried and displayed.

“We encouraged each NPC to select two athletes and two officials to attend the ceremony and represent their country and teammates in person in the Athlete Parade,” Mr Spence explained.

“To ensure consistency and fairness of representation for each delegation, each NPC’s national flag will be carried by a volunteer.”