KYIV, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Ukraine has backed a call for a ceasefire in the war with Russia during the Winter Olympics after Italy and Pope Leo urged world leaders to use the Milano Cortina games to further peace.

Some individual athletes from the banned countries will be permitted to participate in the Milano Cortina Winter Games

Ukraine’s Winter Olympics flag bearer Vladyslav Heraskevych says that his teammates could stage protests at the Milan Cortina Games over the decision to allow neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in Italy.

At least a dozen athletes will represent AIN at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Here's what it has to do with the ROC, Russia and the country's doping scandal.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, mark a historic moment for the Games. Not only because Italy is hosting for the first time since Torino 2006, but because these Olympics will be taking place in multiple locations, with venues scattered across the Italian Alps and Dolomites.

As Ukrainian athletes prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics, they will seek to boost the morale of their compatriots in Ukraine amid an ongoing war and a brutal winter.

Ninety-two national teams entered in alphabetical order, with Greece leading the procession in keeping with Olympic tradition. Ukraine marched 85th. Short track speedskater Yelyzaveta Sydorko carried the Ukrainian flag at San Siro.

Russian teams remain banned from Olympic competitions, but individual participation as "neutral" athletes is allowed under strict rules.

There will be 93 countries, plus numerous athletes from Russia and Belarus, competing at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are bringing thousands of athletes from around the world together for more than two weeks of competition — and the Games are a gold mine for statistics.