The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), allowing Russian athletes to compete in many international events, including qualifying competitions for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The suspension was imposed in October 2023 after the ROC recognised regional Olympic councils in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. On Tuesday, the IOC said the ROC had confirmed it no longer operated in those territories and would continue to be monitored.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the decision reflected the organisation's belief that athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments.
"We don't condone any wars, including this one. We will continue to support Ukraine like we have since this started. But I don't believe athletes should pay the price," she said.
The IOC has not yet decided whether Russian athletes will be allowed to compete under their national flag, colours or anthem at the Los Angeles Games.
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev welcomed the decision, saying it should encourage international federations to fully reinstate Russian athletes.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry described the decision as "troubling", while skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych called it "absolutely shameful".
Athlete groups Global Athlete and FairSport also criticised the move, saying it weakened Olympic principles by welcoming Russia back despite the ongoing war and the country's history of doping.
The IOC's decision does not guarantee Russian athletes a return across all sports. World Athletics and several other international federations continue to ban Russian and Belarusian competitors because of the war in Ukraine.
Coventry said she did not expect a "patchwork" approach ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Russia's return also comes under the shadow of its long-running doping scandals. Coventry said any Russian athletes competing internationally would have to meet all anti-doping requirements.
"We ask to ensure that adequate testing is done on Russian athletes coming into the LA28 Games," she said.
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