After Initial Restraint, Russian State TV Acknowledges Athletes’ Olympic Success - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 20, 2026
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Russian state television has shifted its coverage of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, now emphasizing the achievements of Russian athletes competing as neutrals after initially downplaying the event. This change comes amid ongoing tensions related to Russia's involvement in Ukraine, which has led many Russian athletes to compete under neutral flags or for other countries' teams. State broadcasters like Channel One and Rossia 24 have started highlighting individual successes, such as Nikita Filippov's silver medal in ski mountaineering—a first for a neutral competitor—and Adeliia Petrosyan's figure skating performance.
The coverage marks a notable shift from earlier restraint, with Russian officials and media outlets praising these athletes' "strength of spirit" and contributions to international sport. Despite political tensions, figures like Filippov are being celebrated as symbols of Russia's sporting prowess. Meanwhile, sports diplomacy remains a contentious issue, with Ukraine expressing strong objections to Russian athletes' participation, even under neutral flags.
Over 350 Russian athletes have left the country since the start of the war in Ukraine, and many now compete for other nations. At the 2026 Winter Olympics, over 30 former Russian athletes are representing different countries, with figure skating being the largest discipline. However, only a small fraction of Russians plan to watch the Games, with most state TV channels ignoring the event. Okko is the sole streaming platform broadcasting the Olympics in Russia.
This situation underscores broader tensions between Russia and the international community over sports diplomacy. While Russian athletes' achievements are celebrated domestically, their participation remains controversial globally. The limited viewership and divided reactions highlight the complexities of using sports as a political tool during conflicts.
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/20/2026