The IOC just recommended bringing Russian athletes back to the Olympics. Here’s how Russia, Ukraine, and the West are reacting.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended lifting all restrictions on Russian athletes who had been barred from international competition following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and provisionally reinstated the Russian Olympic Committee.

Since 2022, Russian athletes had either been barred from major competitions entirely or allowed to compete only as individuals in neutral status.

The IOC recommendation does not automatically grant access to competitions — decisions will be made by the international federations governing each sport — but it significantly weakens the isolation of Russian sport.

Meduza looked at how the decision is being received in Russia, Ukraine, and the West. ...