• Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete under their national flags and anthems.
• The ban was lifted by World Aquatics after nearly three years of restrictions.
• Athletes must pass at least four anti-doping tests to participate.
• The decision follows similar measures by the International Paralympic Committee.
• Next World Aquatics championships scheduled in Budapest in 2027.

World Aquatics announced on April 13 that Russian and Belarusian athletes will now have the opportunity to compete in international events under their national flags and anthems, marking a significant easing of restrictions that had been in place since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The governing body stated that the guidelines preventing participation would no longer apply to senior athletes from these countries, following consultations with the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) and the World Aquatics athletes' committee, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Le Monde.

This decision followed a period during which these athletes competed as neutrals. The policy change aligns World Aquatics with the International Paralympic Committee, which had previously allowed similar participation under national flags at the 2026 Winter Paralympics. Athletes will be required to successfully complete a minimum of four consecutive anti-doping tests before being eligible to compete, ensuring that sports integrity remains intact, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam emphasized the organization's commitment to making competition venues safe havens for athletes from all nationalities. "We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition," he stated. The next World Aquatics championships are set to occur in Budapest in 2027, marking a return to full participation for athletes from these nations, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Le Monde.