Russia and Belarus Banned from Winter Olympics, AIN Athletes Explained

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, which commenced on 6 February, showcases athletes from 92 nations, yet two countries are notably absent: Russia and Belarus. Both nations remain suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), prohibiting them from competing as official teams. However, a select group of individual athletes from these countries are permitted to participate under a neutral banner, known as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN).

Why Are Russia and Belarus Banned?

In March 2022, the IOC recommended banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from international sports events in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Belarus supporting the aggression. This recommendation followed the Beijing Winter Olympics but preceded the Paralympics, where both countries were banned due to boycott threats. The IOC formalised the suspension in October 2023 after the Russian Olympic Committee annexed sporting organisations in Ukrainian territories, including Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia. The IOC deemed this a violation of the Olympic Charter, infringing on Ukraine's territorial integrity.

The suspension severed Olympic funding for Russia and barred athletes from representing their nations at the 2024 Paris Games. This ban extends to the 2026 Winter Olympics, maintaining the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian teams.

What Are AIN Athletes?

Despite the ban, some athletes compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), an abbreviation from the French "athlètes individuels neutres." This system, introduced in Paris 2024, continues for Milano-Cortina 2026. AIN athletes do not represent Russia or Belarus officially; instead, they compete under a neutral teal flag with an 'AIN' emblem. They are not allowed to use their national anthems, with the IOC providing an instrumental alternative. In Paris, these athletes were excluded from the Opening Ceremony, and their medals did not contribute to the overall medal table.

Which AIN Athletes Are Allowed to Compete?

AIN athletes face strict eligibility criteria. They cannot participate in team events like ice hockey or curling, as the IOC rules that neutral athletes cannot form teams. Individual sport athletes must gain approval from their sport's governing body and pass vetting by an IOC-appointed panel. This process excludes athletes with ties to the Russian military or those who have expressed support for the war in Ukraine.

Notably, high-profile Russian skater Kamila Valieva, who returned from a doping ban in late 2025, missed the qualification window for these Olympics. The IOC has invited 13 Russian and 7 Belarusian athletes to compete as AINs in Milano-Cortina.