After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia was suspended and has not been allowed to participate in the Olympic Games.
Russian athletes have only been allowed to participate in the games under a neutral flag, and they have also had to prove their political impartiality.
But now Russia is being welcomed back into the Olympic fold. The change will take effect starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The Ukrainian Olympic Committee criticizes the decision, believing it was made without taking into account "the objective circumstances that remain unchanged."
"The Russian Federation is continuing its full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine, thereby flagrantly violating international law and the fundamental principles of peace and security," a statement read.
“Deplorable decision”
Sweden's Sports Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) is furious at the decision "which normalizes Russia's offensive war."
"The timing could hardly be worse, with the decision made against the immediate backdrop of Russian attacks on civilian targets. Ukrainian athletes and coaches are among the victims of such Russian attacks," he says in a written comment to TT.
SOK also regrets the decision.
"We clearly think it's wrong; it's a very sad and unfortunate decision. Nothing has changed that would put this issue in a different position," says SOK chairman Hans von Uthmann.
Sweden will continue to have its say on the issue, but it does not look like a boycott will happen.
We must be humble because there is a different opinion than ours among the 206 Olympic committees.
Hans von Uthmann does not seem surprised that the decision comes now, as the qualifying competitions for the Summer Olympics begin this fall.
However, international federations may still oppose the decision, according to von Uthmann.
Joy in Russia
The IOC has not yet decided whether Russia's flag, national anthem and colours will be allowed to be used at the Olympics. Russian athletes who are allowed to compete in international competitions again must also comply with current anti-doping rules.
The decision is welcomed in Russia.
"The IOC is sending a clear signal, the Olympic movement must be kept free from politics," says Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev on Russian Telegram.
Belarus was also banned from international competition following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Belarus was welcomed back into the Olympics in early May of this year.
