Malta Hosts Russia’s Return Under Flag and Anthem as Sporting Sanctions Over Ukraine Begin to Crumble

A politically significant event has taken place in Malta.

During the Women’s Water Polo World Cup Division II, the Russian women’s team competed again under the Russian flag and with the Russian anthem for the first time since the sanctions imposed after the war in Ukraine.

Russia opened the tournament with a crushing 33–11 victory over Argentina.

This is not just a sporting result. It is a sign that the sanctions imposed on Russia because of the war in Ukraine are slowly being weakened — even in sport.

Although World Aquatics decided to restore Russia’s national symbols, Malta has now become the country hosting this symbolic return. In practice, this means Malta is also contributing, even if indirectly, to the gradual normalisation of Russia’s return to international sport.

The war in Ukraine is still ongoing. Yet in Malta, the Russian flag is flying again, and the Russian anthem is being heard once more at international competitions.

That is why this event matters.

It shows that what was once presented as a firm sporting boycott is now beginning to crack — and Malta is part of that process.