Russian athletes might be able to compete for their country at the 2028 Olympic Games in LA. The IOC has provisionally lifted its suspension of Russian athletes from international competition. This means Russian athletes could compete at the next Olympic Games. They have been competing as neutrals in recent Olympics.
Russian athletes were allowed to compete as neutrals in the recent Winter Olympics in Italy. They went through a vetting process and then competed as neutrals. The IOC's decision means that international sporting federations do not have to do this anymore. The IOC has not decided if Russian athletes can compete as a Russian team. They might be able to wave the Russian flag and sing the Russian national anthem if they win a medal.
The Russian Olympic Committee said it no longer has jurisdiction over four disputed territories in Ukraine that were annexed by Russia. The IOC will be keen to point out that they have lifted the suspension, but they are not saying yet if Russian athletes can come to the Olympics as a Russian team. The reaction to this decision is likely to be mixed. Russia is happy with the decision, but Ukraine is likely to be unhappy. The IOC says it stands in solidarity with Ukraine and does not tolerate war. However, they also say that athletes should not be punished for the actions of their government.
