Russia intends to fully participate in 2028 Olympics in LA - minister

MOSCOW. April 10 (Interfax) - The Russian Sports Ministry hopes the Russian national team will be able to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in full, Sports Minister and Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) head Mikhail Degtyaryov said.

"The intention for the summer [games] in 2028 is full [participation]: our national team, under our flag, and fully reinstated," Degtyaryov told the Silver Rain radio station, referring to the Los Angeles Olympics.

As for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, "we are very unlikely to get in in full format simply on account of [little] time left: less than a year," even though Russians currently "have concessions" in three sports, he said.

"Doors are now slightly opened for ski mountaineering, skating [...] But for the rest, where we have no concessions yet, not even for the neutral status, we are working with the International Olympic Committee behind the scenes. I'll tell you for sure when there's news," Degtyaryov said.

Athletes should not be blamed for intending to participate in the neutral status, "because they did not give up their citizenship, flag or anthem. They were stripped of this possibility," he said.

"My position is unequivocal: anyone who can go in the neutral status, should do so. Both Russia and its Olympic Committee must provide full support, i.e. not create additional difficulties for our athletes. It is hard for them the way it is," Degtyaryov said.