The International Skating Union (ISU) Council has decided to revise the position in ISU Communication 2469 to reintroduce skaters affiliated with ISU Members in Russia and Belarus to participate in ISU Events or International Competitions during the 2026/2027 season as AIN (Neutral) Athletes (read ISU Communication 2804). 

Athletes representing Russia and Belarus will be able to compete without items of state recognition, namely national flags, national kit and national anthems. Participation will be dependent on no evidence of breaches of athletes’ neutral status, which reinforces the primacy of fair sport on the ice. 

Article 10.2.1 of the Competition and Event Regulations requires that entries for ISU Events be submitted by the respective ISU Member. Quotas of athletes will be limited to the same terms as if both Member Federations were participating in their first season of skating competitions. This is due to their absence from ISU events for more than the maximum three-year period and their inability to accrue ranking points during that time.

The ISU will keep conditions at ISU Events under continuous review and will relax restrictions further only where it is satisfied that no safety or integrity issues arise, and reserves the right to reintroduce or increase restrictive measures should such situations emerge. 

In reaching its decision, the Council also took into account developments across the Olympic Movement and the differing approaches of other International Federations, including instances in which the lifting of restrictions has given rise to incidents at competitions, as well as the participation of Neutral Athletes in the 2025/26 Olympic qualification events and at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 without related incident. 

At this time, the ISU has prioritized the readmission of Athletes. ISU Communication 2469 remains in effect regarding the participation of Officials from Russia and Belarus. However, the ISU recognizes the need to develop a pathway for these officials to return to their duties and is developing such a plan. 

The ISU Council continues to call for an end to all ongoing conflicts in the world and condemns armed conflict. The ISU has provided financial support to Ukrainian skaters through various initiatives, including the ISU Development Program, contributions to the Ukrainian Skating Federation and a support program for displaced skaters. The next phase of that support is currently under consideration by the ISU Council.

For further information, please read: 

• ISU Communication 2804
• Q&A