As Ukrainian athletes prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics, they will seek to boost the morale of their compatriots in Ukraine amid an ongoing war and a brutal winter.

Ukraine is sending a 103-member Olympic delegation to the Milan Cortina Olympics, including skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. Photo courtesy of Vladyslav Heraskevych The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics At 5 a.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, mark a historic moment for the Games. Not only because Italy is hosting for the first time since Torino 2006, but because these Olympics will be taking place in multiple locations, with venues scattered across the Italian Alps and Dolomites.

The U.N. and IOC are asking for a pause in wars, an ancient Olympic tradition, amid the Winter Games. Athletes from countries beset by violence are set to compete.

Beating the Americans will feel even sweeter for the U.S.' top allies.