Moscow: Russia's Olympic ban has been provisionally lifted, paving the way for a potential return to full competition under the Russian flag at the Los Angeles Games in 2028, The Telegraph reports. Following doping scandals and then the invasion of Ukraine, athletes from Russia have been forced to compete under a neutral flag or as the Russian Olympic Committee since 2018.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). An IOC statement revealed that the decision was made after a thorough analysis by the IOC's legal affairs commission. This analysis found that the ROC no longer includes as its members any regional sports organisations in territories under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.

The statement further confirmed that the ROC has assured the IOC it will not conduct any activities in these territories. The IOC executive board has stated it will continue to closely monitor the situation and reserves the right to take further measures if deemed necessary.

This decision follows an IOC analysis which concluded that the ROC no longer includes any sports organisations in territories which fall under the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee. The lifting of the ban marks a significant development in Russia's path back to full participation in international sporting events.