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Russia
IOC Allows Russian and Belarusian Youth Athletes to Compete Under Their Flags
The decision applies only to Junior Olympic Games, and each national federation still has jurisdiction over competitions held in their own countries.
Dec. 12, 2025
Russia
Sport Court Allows Russian, Belarusian Skiers to Qualify for Olympics
The International Olympic Committee had announced in September that athletes from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to compete at the Olympics under a neutral banner if they meet strict conditions.
Dec. 2, 2025
Russia
‘It’s the Right Decision’ – Russian ‘Neutral’ Skiers Banned From 2026 Olympics
Skiing’s governing body votes to keep Russian and Belarussian independent athletes out of Winter Olympic Games in Italy, while the IOC has already forbidden Russian teams from competing.
Oct. 22, 2025
War in Ukraine
Italy Minister Hopes Russians Could Join 2026 Olympics – ‘Once the War Is Over’
Russia and its ally Belarus have been banned from holding international sporting competitions since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, while their flags and anthems are banned from most world events.
March 25, 2025
Ukraine
OPINION: Olha Kharlan: the Woman With the Golden Saber
One of the world’s greatest fencers, Olympic gold medalist Olha Kharlan gained worldwide attention when she refused to shake her Russian opponent’s hand.
March 2, 2025
War in Ukraine
Trump Triumph, Assad Fall, Olympic Joy: Key Events in 2024
AFP looks back at the major stories that made the headlines.
Dec. 30, 2024
Ukraine
Humble But Victorious: Ukraine at the Olympic Games in Paris Recap
Ukraine won 12 medals at the Paris Olympics, reaching the 21st position in the overall medal count – not the country’s best ever showing, but athletes are paying a bigger price for success amid war.
Aug. 13, 2024
Russia
Western Media Hail Olympics While Russia Scorns 'Shameful' Games
The Paris Olympics received rave reviews from Western media upon closing Sunday. Meanwhile, Russian media, excluded due to its war in Ukraine, criticized France's success.
Aug. 13, 2024
Ukraine
All-Action Boxer Khyzhniak Wins Ukraine's Third Gold of Paris Olympics
The 29-year-old won four bouts to clinch gold in the French capital, including a points victory over Cuba's two-time gold medallist Arlen Lopez in the semi-finals.
Aug. 8, 2024
War in Ukraine
‘These Medals Are for the Whole Country’ – Ukraine at War Update for Aug. 5
One of Trump’s ex-advisors now lobbies for a Ukrainian oligarch; Ukraine strikes Olympic gold, again; Mali severs diplomatic ties with Kyiv after the HUR bolstered rebels against Wagner troops.
Aug. 5, 2024
France
Paris Mayor Bestows City’s Highest Award to Ukrainian Olympic Athletes
The Mayor's reception took place at the City Hall in the presence of around 30 Ukrainian athletes.
Aug. 4, 2024
Top News
Ukraine Fencers Win Country's First Gold of Paris Olympics
The Ukraine team has high hopes of adding a second gold on Sunday when Yaroslava Mahuchikh goes in the women's high jump, weeks after she set a new world record of 2.10m.
Aug. 4, 2024
War in Ukraine
Ukraine Olympic Pavilion Aims to Jolt West Over War
Countries taking part in the Games have set up pavilions across the French capital to beat the drum for their athletes and culture.
Aug. 1, 2024
War in Ukraine
Melnyk’s Journey to Olympics Embodies Ukrainian Fighting Spirit
Ukrainian runner Tetiana Melnyk said constant explosions, nightly alarms and power cuts caused by Russian attacks on power stations had created incredibly tough conditions for training.
July 31, 2024
France
Ukraine’s Olympic Swimmers Trained Amid Missile Attacks
Ukrainian Olympic hopeful Oleksandr Zheltyakov is one of those for whom the cheers of spectators was replaced by shrieking air raid warnings as he prepared for the Summer Games.
July 27, 2024
Russia
Moscow Prime Suspect for Sabotage Aimed at Disrupting Olympic Games
Coordinated arson attacks on France’s high-speed rail network on Friday, July 26 have brought disruption to its busiest rail lines just hours before the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.
July 26, 2024