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Ukraine Boycotts Paralympics Opening Over Russian Participation

2/23/2026

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Ukraine Boycotts Paralympics

Ukraine's National Paralympic Committee plans to boycott the Milan-Cortina Games opening ceremony on March 6 to protest the International Paralympic Committee's decision to let Russian and Belarusian athletes compete under flags.
Ukraine's National Paralympic Committee expressed outrage, citing the ongoing war as a reason for their stance.
European support for the boycott is growing, with EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef and Estonia's Paralympic Committee condemning the IPC's decision.
Italy's government has urged the IPC to reconsider, calling Russia's participation unacceptable.

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Kyiv Residents Rave

Hundreds gathered for an outdoor rave on the frozen Dnipro River in Kyiv, despite curfew and energy shortages.
They socialized, barbecued, and enjoyed mulled wine, showing Kyiv residents' effort to maintain urban life amid the war.
Power outages disrupted music and services at a nearby cafe.
The scene underscores the struggle to sustain normal life in Kyiv as many lack light and heat.

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Ukraine Boycotts Paralympics

Ukraine's National Paralympic Committee plans to boycott the Milan-Cortina Games opening ceremony on March 6 to protest the International Paralympic Committee's decision to let Russian and Belarusian athletes compete under flags.
Ukraine's National Paralympic Committee expressed outrage, citing the ongoing war as a reason for their stance.
European support for the boycott is growing, with EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef and Estonia's Paralympic Committee condemning the IPC's decision.
Italy's government has urged the IPC to reconsider, calling Russia's participation unacceptable.

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