Italy to ask the UN for an “Olympic truce”: the call also applies to the war in Ukraine
7 October 14:41
Italy plans to formally appeal to the United Nations with a proposal to declare an Olympic truce for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
This was stated by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, accordingtoANSA, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports .
“We must be champions of peace. We support the US plan for Gaza and, as Pope Leo said, we should never lose hope for peace. Rome and Italy are becoming a crossroads for peace, development and growth. With the Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina in mind, we are submitting a proposal to the UN for an Olympic truce for all wars, including Ukraine and the Middle East,” Tayani emphasized.
What is known about the 2026 Winter Olympics
- The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22, and the Paralympic Games from March 6 to 15.
- A total of 245 sets of medals will be up for grabs at the Olympics and 137 sets at the Paralympics.
- In July 2025, the Organizing Committee of the Games presented the design of the Milan and Cortina medals.
Why it matters
Italy’s call is directly related to two of the most acute conflicts of our time – Russia’s war against Ukraine and Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
In fact, Rome is trying to use the Olympics as a platform to promote a global peace initiative.
The tradition of the Olympic truce (ekecheiria ) dates back to ancient Greece, where wars were halted during the Games.
In the modern era, the International Olympic Committee regularly calls on countries to observe the truce, but it is more symbolic.
In July 2024, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on an Olympic truce for the Paris Games, but in practice, hostilities in the world did not stop.
What’s next
Italy’s appeal should be considered by the UN in the coming months. If the initiative is supported, an official call will be sent to member states to suspend armed conflicts for the duration of the Winter Games.
