Ukrainian Fencer Olga Kharlan was disqualified after refusing to shake her opponent's hand, highlighting the challenges of Ukrainian athletes competing against Russians in Olympic qualifying events. Ukraine's government has eased its boycott policy, allowing athletes to compete against Russians participating as "neutral athletes." The International Olympic Committee (IOC) welcomed the easing of the boycott but emphasized the need for sensitivity to Ukraine's concerns. The IOC recommends allowing Russians and Belarusians to compete as neutral athletes without national symbols, but a final decision has not been made for the Paris Olympics. The dispute between Kharlan and her Russian opponent could have implications for Olympic decision-makers.

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