Lithuanian PM boycotts Paralympics over Russian, Belarusian participation

Lithuanian Prime Minister boycotts Paralympics

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Šimonytė will boycott the upcoming Milan-Cortina Paralympic Games. Her protest is against the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags.

She announced the boycott on the radio station Žinių Radijas. Šimonytė stated she had planned to travel to support Lithuania's team but will now honor the nation's sole athlete domestically.

Committee condemns IPC decision

The Lithuanian Paralympic Committee strongly criticized the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) ruling on Wednesday, February 19th. The committee called the decision to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes with their flags unacceptable.

Šimonytė echoed this condemnation in her radio remarks. She said the IPC's decision "does not reflect today's reality" and represents a failure to stand with Ukraine.

A call for European unity against Russia

The Prime Minister framed her boycott as part of a broader need for solidarity. She emphasized that Europe must show unity and resilience against provocations from Russia and its ally Belarus.

"We must say that in Europe we stand united and believe in Ukraine's victory," Šimonytė stated. Her action highlights the continued political fallout from Russia's war on Ukraine within international sports.

The decision affects key aspects of the games for Lithuanian representation:

• The Prime Minister's official attendance and support.
• The planned celebration for Lithuania's participating athlete.
• Diplomatic engagement at the international sporting event.

The 2024 Winter Paralympics begin in Milan-Cortina on March 8th. The IPC's controversial reversal on neutral participation continues to draw criticism from nations supporting Ukraine.