LAUSANNE — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee on July 8, 2026. The IOC stated that the terms of the suspension imposed in October 2023 no longer apply.

The IOC advised Olympic sports bodies to discontinue a three-year program that vetted Russians for neutral status before qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The committee has not yet approved allowing Russian athletes and teams to compete under their national flag and anthem. The IOC stated that a decision on flag and anthem approval will come "at an appropriate time."

The IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee in 2023 following the war in Ukraine. The suspension was imposed after the Russian Olympic body incorporated regional sports councils from occupied regions of Ukraine. The IOC stated it strongly condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The organization stated it recognizes that an athlete's participation in international competition should not be limited by their government's involvement in a war or conflict. The IOC also stated it stands in solidarity with the Olympic community of Ukraine and will continue to do so.

Mikhail Degtyarev, the Russian sports minister, stated on Telegram that the IOC is sending a clear signal that the Olympic movement must remain free from politics. He also stated that Russia planned to participate in qualifiers for the 2028 Olympics. The IOC stated that athletes must complete multiple doping controls and be part of a recognized testing program.

Despite the provisional lifting of the suspension, the IOC stated it will continue to not organize IOC events in Russia or invite Russian government or state officials to its events. In 2024, thirty-two athletes from Russia and Belarus competed as approved neutrals at the Paris Olympics, collectively winning five medals. The Russian team had more than 300 athletes at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where they won 71 medals.