Russian flag returns at Winter Paralympics opening ceremony in Verona

2026-03-07 - 09:44

The Winter Paralympic Games opened in Verona with Russian and Belarusian athletes marching behind national flags for the first time since bans followed the invasion of Ukraine. The moment drew silence from sections of the crowd while volunteers carrying the Ukrainian flag received loud applause inside the Arena di Verona. The ceremony marked the start of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics and the fiftieth anniversary of the Games. The event took place inside the Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheatre that dates back two millennia. Music, dance and visual displays formed the core of the opening programme while delegations entered the arena.