The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), a move that could pave the way for Russia's full return to the Olympic fold ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games.The ROC was suspended in October 2023 for recognising regional Olympic councils in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine – Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia – following Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.While the IOC's executive board has now lifted the suspension, it has yet to decide whether Russia will be permitted to display its flag, colours, or have its anthem played at future Games.Russian sports minister Mikhail Degtyarev welcomed the decision, stating it should facilitate a complete return for Russian athletes to the international sporting arena. Mikhail Degtyarev welcomed the news (AFP/Getty)"Our country's return to the Olympic family is a green light for international federations to reinstate all our athletes," Mr Degtyarev said.Russian athletes competed as neutrals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games.The IOC justified its decision, stating it followed "a thorough analysis by the IOC’s Legal Affairs Commission, considering that the ROC (Russian Olympic Committee) no longer includes as its members any regional sports organisations in territories falling under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Ukraine."The IOC had previously stated in 2023 that Russia's recognition of regional Olympic councils in occupied Ukrainian territories violated the Olympic Charter and Ukraine’s Olympic Committee's territorial integrity. On Tuesday, the IOC confirmed the ROC's pledge: "The ROC confirmed that it does not, and will not, conduct any activities in these territories. The IOC EB will continue to closely monitor the situation relating to any ROC activities in those territories, and reserves the right to take any further measures if deemed necessary."The Russian team had more than 300 athletes and won 71 medals at the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021. That was the last time Russia sent a full team to an Olympic Games, but they could be line to end their exile when the Games head to Los Angeles in 2028. The Olympics are due to run from 14 July to July 30 in two years’ time.