The Russian Olympic Committee is preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with potentially 15-20 neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus. The International Olympic Committee has confirmed eligibility for some athletes, including figure skaters. However, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, and the International Luge Federation have not allowed neutral athletes to participate. The International Skating Union has opened pathways, while the International Ski Mountaineering Federation opened qualification pathways in December.

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev emphasized Russia's commitment to ensuring equal rights for athletes, contrasting it with Western countries' approach. The CAS ruled on athlete participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics, upholding some federation restrictions, but allowing neutral athletes. Russia continues to fight international bans through CAS, with the ROC's suspension still in place.

The International Testing Agency (ITA) initiated its pre-Games anti-doping program for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with testing recommendations sent to global anti-doping organizations. The program aims for strategic, risk-based testing, complementing efforts by IFs, NADOs and RADOs and will conclude with the Olympic Villages opening on January 30, 2026. The ITA's previous efforts saw 80% implementation of testing recommendations ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. WADA and Benjamin Cohen also provided comments.

IOC President Thomas Bach and President-elect Kirsty Coventry visited Rome, meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss preparations for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. They also attended the World Skateboarding Tour competition and addressed the International Athletes’ Forum (IAF) in Lausanne. Bach and Coventry also met with the new British Olympic Association (BOA) Chair Katherine Grainger, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Bańka and Director General Olivier Niggli, and Pope Leo XIV. Nenad Lalović and Jean-Christophe Rolland were elected to the ASOIF Council.