IOC lifts Russia ban, drawing backlash from Ukraine and EU

The International Olympic Committee decided to lift its suspension on Russian participation, allowing athletes to return to international competition, a move that Kyiv, EU officials, and European lawmakers say rewards aggression and undermines sanctions. They have called for reversing the decision, while FIFA and other bodies consider similar steps. Russia hailed the move as a return to the Olympic family, and the piece notes a broader pattern of sports organizations quietly restoring ties with Moscow, including the Paralympics’ earlier reinstatement amid ongoing war.