Finland Moves to Bar Russian Athletes From Entry Over Ukraine War

Finland will bar Russian athletes and other sports professionals from entering the country from Monday, including those authorised to compete under a neutral flag. The move comes ahead of international skiing events and may affect future competitions, as it conflicts with sports bodies’ efforts to readmit some Russian athletes.

Russian citizens holding Schengen visas will be allowed into Finland only for work considered essential to national interests, excluding sport. Ruka is scheduled to host cross-country skiing races from 27 to 29 November and ski jumping on 28 and 29 November, while Lahti has races planned for 12 to 14 February. The International Skating Union is assessing the ban’s implications for events including the 2027 Figure Skating World Championships, after allowing Russian and Belarusian skaters to compete under strict neutral status.