In less than a week, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) will decide whether to follow the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete at the 2026 Olympics under a neutral flag.

However, before the Russians can participate in the Olympics, they must first qualify by racing in World Cup events. Opinions and reactions on the matter have been many.

Also Read:
FIS postpones Russia and Belarus decision
IOC: Russians and Belarusians allowed to compete under neutral flag at 2026 Milano-Cortina

Goes after FIS

Veronika Stepanova has, of course, noticed that the Norwegian Ski Association is firmly opposed to the return of Russian athletes under the current political situation. Now, the Russian skier lashes out at FIS, Norway, and the West in a post on Instagram, which she illustrated with a photo of a Norwegian flag and a FIS flag against a gray sky.

“The same Norwegians who didn’t give the Peace Prize to Trump, but earlier gave it to Obama, and who don’t want to see Russian athletes in international competitions. The same mentality — incomprehensible to most of the world outside Western Europe. As my friend (TV commentator Dmitry) Guberniev usually says: ‘Two worlds – two Shapiros,’” Stepanova wrote on her Instagram account.

The expression “Two worlds – two Shapiros” is a Russian saying used in media culture as a sarcastic comment about how two sides will never understand each other.

Stepanova’s post comes just days after her reaction to the news that Helene Fossesholm is ending her career.

Read More: Stepanova reacts to Fossesholm’s retirement with sharp comment

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A post shared by Veronika Stepanova (@stepanova_nika01)

Complicated situation

The IOC has opened the possibility for athletes from the suspended nations to compete under a neutral flag, but under strict conditions. One of the requirements is that no athlete affiliated with the military or who openly supports the war will be allowed to participate.

In contrast, the Paralympics have gone in the opposite direction: they recently decided to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own flags and without restrictions.

Originally, FIS was expected to decide whether to follow the IOC or take the same stance as the IBU, which said no during its autumn meeting in September. However, internal disagreements within FIS led to the decision being postponed until October 21.

Athletes say no

Norwegian and Swedish athletes have been crystal clear: a firm no.

Although several have said they would welcome the Russians back from a purely sporting point of view, they insist the war must end before participation can even be considered.

Some athletes go even further: Linn Svahn says she will withdraw from the Olympics if the Russians are allowed to compete.

Both the Norwegian and Swedish Ski Associations remain strongly opposed to Russian participation under the current circumstances.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milano-Cortina from February 6 to 22.

Also Read: Program for cross-country skiing at Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

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