The Kremlin has branded Russia’s ban from the upcoming Winter Paralympics as a ‘disgrace’.
Initially, the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) declared Russia would be allowed to participate in Beijing.
However, they have since reversed their decision following pressure from National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
According to the President of the IPC Andrew Parsons, the change of heart was due to a potential negative impact on the Winter Paralympics, which begins tomorrow.
"They told us that if we do not reconsider our decision, it is now likely to have grave consequences for the Winter Games," Parsons said in a media conference today in the Chinese capital.
"Multiple NPCs, some of which have been contacted by their Governments, teams and athletes, are threatening not to compete."
He added: "In taking our decision yesterday we were looking at the long-term health and survival of the Paralympic Movement.
"We are fiercely proud of the principles and values that have made the Movement what it is today.
"In order to preserve the integrity of these Games and the safety of all participants, we have decided to refuse the athlete entries from RPC and NPC Belarus."
Athletes from Belarus are also prohibited from competing at the Games due to their role in the Ukraine invasion.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov slammed the IPC’s u-turn the day before the Games’ opening ceremony.
"This situation is definitely monstrous," said Peskov, as reported by Russia's official state news agency TASS .
"This is of course a disgrace for the International Paralympic Committee as I cannot find other words of describing it.
"We certainly condemn the International Paralympic Committee for this decision."
Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin mentioned the country will be appealing the decision by taking the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
"We are currently in work to establish our legal position to file lawsuits on the protection of our athletes' rights, against the discrimination of athletes based on their ethnicity and the use of sports as a tool of a political pressure," he said.
"Today's decision to bar our team is a blatant violation of athletes' rights and a manipulation of the Olympic Charter and human lives' values in pursuit of political goals."
