The Ukrainian Paralympic team will boycott the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games 2026, the National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine confirmed to Suspilne Sport. The team cited the participation of Russian and Belarusian delegations under their national flags as the reason for the protest.
Ukrainian Paralympian Hryhoriy Vovchynskyi said the decision was made collectively by the team. “I do not want to compete alongside athletes from countries that are committing killings,” he said, referring to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Other delegations embraced Ukrainian athletes
He added that the team’s position had been clearly understood by other delegations at the Games. “Many people approached us to show support. I have been embraced by other athletes and officials, and they told me that they understand our stance,” Vovchynskyi said.
He noted that this backing from fellow competitors helped strengthen the team’s resolve to maintain a consistent protest throughout the Paralympics.
Ukraine skipped the opening too – and wasn't alone
The boycott follows Ukraine’s absence from the opening ceremony, which it skipped for the same reason. Fifteen other delegations also did not attend the opening.
Throughout the Games, Ukrainian officials raised concerns about fairness and safety, citing the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes as inconsistent with international standards for competitions involving countries engaged in armed conflict.
The situation drew broader attention within the International Paralympic Committee, which has faced criticism from Ukraine and other nations over its decision to allow the delegations to compete under their own flags.
Several countries and athletes publicly expressed support for Ukraine.
Seventeen medals, seventh place – and a protest that bookended the Games
Despite the controversy, Ukraine finished the Games with 19 medals, including three golds, ranking seventh in the overall medal table.
The team’s absence from both the opening and closing ceremonies underscores the country’s continued protest and its efforts to highlight the issue of participation by countries engaged in ongoing military aggression.
