International Weightlifting Federation lifts all sanctions on Russia and Belarus

What happened

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has officially lifted all sanctions on Russia and Belarus that were imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainska Pravda English reports.

Earlier this year, the IWF had already eased restrictions by allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete without nationality restrictions but limited to youth and junior levels. The full removal of sanctions now permits athletes from both countries to compete under their national flags across all age categories.

At the 2026 European Weightlifting Championships held in Batumi, Georgia, Russian athletes participated under a neutral status. With this change, they will be eligible to compete under the Russian and Belarusian flags at the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships in China, scheduled from 27 October to 8 November.

Known from the source

• The IWF had imposed sanctions on Russia and Belarus after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
• Earlier in 2026, the IWF allowed Russian and Belarusian youth and junior athletes to compete without restrictions.
• The sanctions have now been fully lifted for all age categories by the IWF.
• Russian athletes competed under a neutral status at the 2026 European Weightlifting Championships in Batumi, Georgia.
• Russian and Belarusian athletes will be eligible to participate under their national flags at the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships in China from 27 October to 8 November.

What remains unclear

The IWF explained that the decision was aligned with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and recent amendments to the Olympic Charter. This move may signal a shift in how international sport governing bodies address the consequences of geopolitical conflicts, especially regarding continued exclusion or sanctioning of nations involved in such disputes.

What remains unclear: Exact wording and context of the IOC recommendations that influenced the IWF’s decision. Official responses or statements from Ukrainian authorities or sports bodies regarding the lifting of sanctions. Any broader international sports or diplomatic reactions connected to this decision. Verify the correct spelling and official naming of events and dates mentioned.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.