Russian and Belarusian skaters can return to international events with approved neutral status

Russian skaters are set to return to international competitions like world championships and Grand Prix events next season, but only as neutral athletes, following a ban since February 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine. The International Skating Union (ISU) announced this decision, which means Russian and Belarusian skaters can compete without their national flags or anthems. However, they might face challenges obtaining visas for events in countries like Finland, South Korea, and China. The ISU noted that some Russian and Belarusian skaters successfully competed in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics under neutral status. The ISU emphasized that this decision does not change its condemnation of the conflict or its support for Ukrainian skaters. The ban was initially imposed to ensure the safety and integrity of competitions, not as a punishment for the war. QUESTION: How might the return of Russian and Belarusian skaters as neutral athletes impact the dynamics of international skating competitions?