The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete under their national flags and anthems with immediate effect. The decision, taken by the executive committee at a meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh on 17 May, applies across all five disciplines under FIG jurisdiction — artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, acrobatics and aerobics. Russian officials welcomed the move, with Federation President Oleg Belozyorov thanking FIG President Morinari Watanabe for his 'consistent position, constructive approach and support for the principles of open international sport.'

The announcement drew sharp criticism from political figures in Germany, where Stephan Mayer, sports policy spokesman for the Christian Social Union, described the decision as 'a slap in the face of Ukraine.' Mayer argued that Russia continues its brutal war with Belarusian support, and that sport should not normalise relations. Analysts in Berlin note that this reverses the longstanding principle of excluding Russian athletes while hostilities continue, a stance that has fragmented international sport since 2022.

From Moscow, the Federation of Gymnastics Russia hailed the decision as a 'full restoration of rights' after more than four years of sanctions. Russian and Belarusian athletes had been barred from most international competitions since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, though some were later permitted to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes. The new ruling ends that neutrality requirement, and the first appearance under the national flag is expected at World Cup events in Bulgaria and Azerbaijan later this month. Viewed from Kyiv, however, the move undermines solidarity and sets a troubling precedent.

The FIG decision aligns with a gradual trend among international sports bodies to reintegrate Russian athletes. Federations for tennis, judo and some combat sports have already done so, often under neutral status. Yet gymnastics' full restoration of national symbols is bolder, and may accelerate calls for similar action in other Olympic disciplines. With the Paris Olympics approaching, the International Olympic Committee faces renewed pressure to define its stance. Analysts in London observe that while the FIG's move reflects a desire to depoliticise sport, it risks deepening the rift between Western and non-Western federations over the terms of Russia's return.