The United States called the return of symbols to Russian athletes an "important step"

The return of the flag and anthem to the Russian Paralympians at the Games in Italy was an "important step." This was announced on October 15 by the US Special Representative for Global Partnerships, Ambassador Paolo Zampolli.

"I consistently advocate that [issues of admission or non-admission] of athletes should not become an indefinite substitute for political negotiations. The return of the Russian flag and anthem at the Paralympic Games in Italy was an important step, and I welcomed this decision," the diplomat said in a conversation with TASS.

He also called for the organization of a friendly match between the Russian and US national football teams. Zampolli called football a game that unites the whole world, and said he would be happy if a friendly match between the national teams took place with the participation of FIFA and the relevant national federations.

Triumphant and bright: the Paralympians were awarded state awards for success in Italy

The winners and prize-winners of the Games shared their emotions from their victories and performances under the national flag.

The XIV Winter Paralympic Games were held in Italy on March 6-15. The Russian Paralympians competed in Italy with the flag and the national anthem of the country, consisting of six people, and won 8 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals, completing the top three teams. On March 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that for the first time in the last 12 years, the country saw the Russian flag rise above the Paralympic podium again, and heard the Russian national anthem with special trepidation.

On June 26, the Russian Football Union (RFU) confirmed negotiations on a match between the national teams. Maxim Mitrofanov, Secretary General of the Russian Federation, added that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also participated in these negotiations at a certain stage.