On 11 December 2025, at the 14th Olympic Summit, representatives, supported by the IOC Executive Board, recommended that youth athletes holding Russian or Belarusian passports no longer be subject to restrictions on their participation in international youth competitions. The IOC communication following the Summit stated:

“Youth athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport should no longer be restricted in their access to international youth competitions, in both individual and team sports.  […] Standard protocols of the IF or the International Sports Event Organiser regarding flags, anthems, uniforms and other elements should apply, provided that the national sports organisation concerned is in good standing.  […] The above principles should apply to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, and are recommended for adoption by all IFs and International Sports Event Organisers for their own youth events.  […] Existing sanctions against the Russian and Belarusian governments should also remain in place. In particular, the restriction on accreditations or invitations to international sports events or meetings for government officials from Russia and Belarus should remain in place for both senior and youth events.”

The World Aquatics Bureau's decision is effective immediately and applies to youth and junior categories.

Like all participating athletes, Russian and Belarusian athletes must continue to meet all anti-doping requirements, including the World Aquatics Doping Control Rules.

The revised Guidelines for Athlete Participation in Aquatics Events During Period of Conflict document is now published on the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) website.

For further clarification, World Aquatics Member Federations and event organisers are encouraged to contact the AQIU at info@aquaticsintegrity.com.