The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, opening the way for Russian athletes to compete for their country at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The IOC, which imposed the ban in 2023 over the war in Ukraine, said the suspension is "no longer applicable" and that Russians may compete provided they meet anti-doping requirements. The move is significant because it could mark Russia's return to the Olympics as a full national team for the first time since the invasion, though it remains undecided whether the country may display its flag, colours and anthem.

Russia has been largely absent from recent Games, with just 32 athletes from Russia and Belarus competing as approved neutrals in Paris 2024, winning five medals, compared with more than 300 Russian athletes and 71 medals at Tokyo 2021. Moscow welcomed the decision, with sports minister Mikhail Degtyarev saying the Olympic movement "must remain free from politics", while the IOC said it still condemns the invasion but believes athletes should not be limited by their governments' actions. The decision drew strong criticism, including from Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who called it "absolutely shameful", and UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who said she was "appalled". Analysts note the move follows the International Paralympic Committee's earlier reinstatement of Russia and may increase pressure on Fifa to lift its own ban.