UK Ministers Skip Paralympics Opening, Russia & Belarus Flagbearers

0:00On March 6, UK government ministers and officials are skipping the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Paralympics because Russian and Belarusian athletes get to compete under their national flags. This marks the first time a Russian flag flies at a Paralympic Games in Sochi in 2014, after bands for doping and the invasion of Ukraine. Last year, the International Paralympic Committee lifted its partial restrictions, allowing six Russians and four Belarusians to represent there, countries directly. The UK strongly opposes this move while the invasion continues so no officials will attend. Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock is there just to cheer on British athletes. Several nations are boycotting the opening two, including Ukraine, Czechia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Finland. Germany's team is doing a pre-recorded segment instead of joining the parade to show solidarity with Ukraine. Britain's flag bears, skier benefits Patrick and Scott Meena are sitting it out for video

1:03appearances since they compete the next day. Prioritizing performance as the games run from March 6 to 15.