Russian sports minister defends return of flag, anthem to Paralympics

MOSCOW: Russian sports minister Mikhail Degtyarev on Saturday defended the return of the Russian flag and anthem to the Paralympics for the first time since 2014, amid a backlash from Ukraine and some European countries. A decision to allow six athletes from Russia to compete under their national flag and anthem in Milan-Cortina despite the ongoing four-year war on Ukraine sparked outcry in Kyiv and several European capitals. According to the Russian minister, the athletes felt no pressure at the Winter Games.

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