![Hon. Festus Keyamo SAN arrives MMIA past 11:50 p.m. Feb 23 to lead oversight of Terminal 1 fire. Joined FAAN MD & team actively managing situation. Directed morning inspection Tuesday to guide restoration & confirm safety standards. Reaffirmed focus on passenger safety. Story: [link] #KeyamoMMIA #FireIncident #FAAN](https://fullcliphq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mym-150x150.jpg "MMIA Fire: Keyamo Inspects Lagos Airport After Terminal 1 Blaze Disrupts Flights")
Russia claimed its first Paralympic medal in 12 years yesterday, when 23-year-old Varvara Voronchikhina won bronze in the women’s downhill standing event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.
The result marks the country’s return to the podium since the 2014 Sochi Games, following years of bans and restrictions related to the war in Ukraine.
Despite Russia’s ongoing military conflict with Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) permitted six Russian athletes and four from ally Belarus to compete under their national flags rather than as neutrals. The decision sparked significant controversy: seven countries, including Ukraine, boycotted Friday’s opening ceremony at Verona Arena, and the Russian delegation faced audible boos from sections of the crowd during the parade.
Voronchikhina, making her Paralympic debut, expressed deep emotion after the race. “For us, it’s been a really long time since we were without a flag,” she said. “I’m really glad, and all my country and all my teammates also. I’m very happy because it’s the first medal for me.”
She recalled the pain of the 2022 Beijing Paralympics, where she was present but Russia was suspended hours before competition began. “In Beijing we were there,” she said. “I had third training in downhill and after we had to go back home. For me it was really, really sad and I hope in these Games I will be better and it will be.”
Context of Participation
The IPC’s decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their flags at Milano Cortina 2026 followed their participation as neutrals in the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympics. The policy has drawn criticism from Ukraine and other nations, who argue it undermines solidarity against the invasion that began in February 2022.
Russia and Belarus were fully banned from the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics in the immediate aftermath of the invasion. Their return as neutrals in Paris 2024 and now under national flags in Milano Cortina reflects a gradual easing of restrictions, though the issue remains highly divisive within the Paralympic movement.
Voronchikhina’s bronze is a symbolic moment for Russian Paralympic sport, which has been largely sidelined internationally since 2022. The medal was celebrated on Russian state media and social channels, with many framing it as proof of resilience despite sanctions and isolation.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics continue through March 15, with Russia’s small delegation expected to compete in alpine skiing, biathlon and cross-country events. Whether the country’s participation will lead to broader reintegration in international sport remains uncertain amid the continuing war.
