The International Olympic Committee denounced Russia's decision to invade Ukraine, but it won't have any binding consequences for Russia.

Ukrainian athlete holds flag at 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

Oleksandr Abramenko holds his national flag on the podium after the freestyle skiing men's final.

AFP via Getty Images

The IOC strongly condemns Russia's violation of the truce which was signed by all of the UN member states.

The cessation of hostilities will take place between February 4 and March 20.

The agreement was revived in 1994 and has been in place for every Olympics since.

The truce is non-binding, so Russia won't face any consequences for its invasion, but the violation will impact Ukrainian athletes slated to compete at the Paralympics.

The Ukrainian Paralympians still wish to compete in Beijing, even though the International Paralympic Committee President said it would be a "mammoth challenge" to get them there.

The IOC has formed a task force to coordinate humanitarian assistance for Ukrainians involved with the Olympics.

Ensuring the safe passage, access and participation of athletes, officials, and all accredited persons taking part in the Games is one of the key aspects of the Truce.

Surprising Fact

Russia invaded South Ossetia and Crimea in 2008 and 2014, respectively, during the Olympics. Russia did not consider those military activities to have violated the Olympic Truce, but they were instead domestic disputes, according to the Associated Press. The AP notes that no country has ever explicitly admitted to violating the truce before, though they have had to use martial arts and mental gymnastics to justify hostilities that took place during the Olympics.

Tangent

The Russian Olympic Committee was banned from sending athletes to the Olympics until December 2022, due to anti-doping violations. Russia came under fire during the Beijing Olympics when a Russian figure skater tested positive for a banned substance. She is being investigated for possible anti-doping violations.

Key Background

Russia invaded Ukraine early Thursday morning after weeks of speculation that an attack was imminent. During the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, calls for peace were made by IOC President Thomas Bach, as well as a protest from a Ukrainian athlete who held up a sign. The Chinese government denied that reporting and said it was an attempt to drive a wedge between the two countries.

The President of Ukraine says that Russia is trying to seize the Chernobyl plant.

Here's what you need to know about Russia invading Ukraine.

What is the Olympic Truce? The Associated Press

The IOC president invokes Olympic Truce as Russia's ongoing threat to Ukraine looms over the Winter Games.

The Olympics could be ruined by the war in Ukraine.