The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), clearing the way for the country’s athletes to return to international competition.

The decision comes nearly three years after the ROC was suspended “until further notice” for bringing under its umbrella sports organizations from four former Ukrainian regions that had voted overwhelmingly to join Russia a year earlier.

In a statement on Tuesday, the IOC said it had lifted the suspension after finding that the ROC “no longer includes as its members any regional sports organizations in territories falling under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Ukraine” and had confirmed it would not conduct any activities there. The Olympic body said it would “continue” monitoring the situation.

The IOC also withdrew its recommendations on Russian athletes’ participation in international competitions. Athletes returning to competition will still be required to meet anti-doping rules.

The IOC said it would not stage its own events in Russia or invite Russian government officials. It added that a decision on the use of the Russian flag, anthem and other national symbols at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics would be taken “at the appropriate time.”

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova welcomed the decision, writing on Telegram: “Common sense has prevailed! Global sport will go on. It will go on with Russia!” 

Moscow described the IOC’s 2023 suspension of the ROC as “politically motivated” and an example of “deliberate segregation” that violated the principles of the Olympic Movement. 

Russian officials have repeatedly accused Western countries of politicizing sport and pressuring international federations to exclude Russian athletes, arguing that competitors should be judged solely on their sporting merit.