# Finland bans Russian athletes over Ukraine war

> Finland will bar Russian athletes from entering the country, affecting winter sports including figure skating and cross-country skiing.
- Title: Finland bans Russian athletes over Ukraine war · the Guardian
- Summary: Finland will bar Russian athletes from entering the country, affecting winter sports including figure skating and cross-country skiing.
- Keywords: finland, russia, ukraine war, figure skating, cross-country skiing, ice hockey, international skating union, tampere, sports ban, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/sport/2026/nov/12/finland-bars-russian-athletes-ukraine
- Author: Associated Press
- Published: 2026-11-12T17:23:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: finland, russia, ukraine war, figure skating, cross-country skiing, ice hockey, international skating union, tampere, sports ban, news, world
## Finland restricts Russian athletes
Finland will bar Russian athletes from entering the country because of the war in Ukraine, affecting winter sports including figure skating and cross-country skiing.

> As long as Russia's war of aggression continues, Russian athletes have no business in Finland.
## Major events at risk
Finland hosts a figure skating grand prix next week and a cross-country ski World Cup this month. The figure skating world championships in March in Tampere are expected to be significantly affected.
## International Skating Union responds
The International Skating Union said it believes athletes should not be punished for their governments' actions and is seeking clarification from Finnish officials on the ban's implications.

> ISU believes that athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments in a world where, sadly, many conflicts are ongoing.
## Ban takes effect Monday
The restriction begins Monday, so this week's NHL games in Helsinki between Seattle Kraken and Carolina Hurricanes and ski World Cup races in Levi this weekend will proceed as scheduled.
## Key takeaway

Finland is banning Russian athletes from entering the country due to the Ukraine war, potentially disrupting major winter sports events including the figure skating world championships in March.