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Russian competitors did not receive Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition gift phones at the 2026 Paralympics due to sanctions against Russia.
“To comply with current sanction laws, distribution of devices to athletes from certain countries is prohibited. However, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) will ensure that all athletes at the Winter Paralympic Games have access to essential competition information and athlete services,” said Craig Spence, IPC Director of Communications, in an interview with Russian media. A similar situation occurred during the Olympics in Italy.
For the first time since the full-scale war began, the IPC allowed six Russian Paralympians and granted four quotas to Belarusian athletes in individual events. Both countries’ representatives had their neutral status removed and were allowed to use their flags and anthems.
