International Skating Union clears Russian and Belarusian athletes for 2026/27 season; International Luge Federation strips three Russian lugers of neutral rank
The International Skating Union (ISU) approved neutral status for Russian and Belarusian athletes for the 2026/27 season, while the International Luge Federation removed neutral status from three Russian lugers, affecting their Olympic qualification prospects.
The International Skating Union cleared Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in international events under neutral status for the 2026/2027 season, according to Meduza. The ISU also reinstated Russian and Belarusian figure skaters as neutral athletes, reported by the Moscow Times. The union’s neutral status does not apply to athletes who are on active duty in the armed forces or security agencies of Russia or Belarus, according to TASS.
The International Luge Federation stripped three Russian lugers of their status as neutral participants, Inkorr.com reported. The revocation of neutral status deprived the three Russian lugers of the opportunity to qualify for the Olympics, Inkorr.com added. The Olympic Games are scheduled to take place in 2026 in Italy, Inkorr.com noted.
Aleksandra Sajatina was recognized as a neutral athlete by the International Skating Union, Inkorr.com reported. Sajatina participated in propaganda actions, appearing alongside Putin's supporters and military personnel during Putin's annual address to the Federal Assembly, Inkorr.com added. Veronika Stepanova posted a photo on Instagram confirming Sajatina's participation in the propaganda event, Inkorr.com reported.
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