GENEVA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The International Skating Union (ISU) announced Tuesday that its Council has decided to revise the position in ISU Communication 2469 to allow Russian and Belarusian skaters to participate in ISU events and international competitions during the 2026-27 season as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs).

First-placed Kamila Valieva (C) of Russia poses with her compatriots second-placed Anna Shcherbakova (L) and third-placed Alexandra Trusova on the podium during the awarding ceremony for the women's competition at the ISU European Figure Skating Championships in Tallinn, Estonia, Jan. 15, 2022. (Photo: Xinhua)

"Athletes representing Russia and Belarus will be able to compete without items of state recognition, namely national flags, national kit and national anthems. Participation will be dependent on no evidence of breaches of athletes' neutral status, which reinforces the primacy of fair sport on the ice," ISU announced.

The ISU said it will further relax the restrictions if no safety or integrity issues arise, and reserves the right to reintroduce or increase restrictive measures should such situations emerge.

"At this time, the ISU has prioritized the readmission of athletes. ISU Communication 2469 remains in effect regarding the participation of officials from Russia and Belarus. However, the ISU recognizes the need to develop a pathway for these officials to return to their duties and is developing such a plan," ISU explained.

The world skating governing body released ISU Communication 2469 on April 25, 2022, banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in ISU events and international competitions.