The International Paralympic Committee's decision to lift the temporary suspension of Russia and Belarus is a "bold step" but "many will argue it is premature" while the conflict continues, a former IOC executive told AFP.

The vote at the IPC's general assembly in Seoul on Saturday was a close-run thing but the narrow majority of 51.7% potentially opens the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags at the Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina next year.

Russia invaded Ukraine over three years ago, in February 2022, and peace appears a distant hope -- Moscow unleashed a massive drone and missile attack against Ukraine lasting 12 hours overnight Saturday.

Terrence Burns, a former IOC marketing executive, told AFP the IPC was trying to perform a delicate balancing act.

"It's a bold and consequential and controversial step," the American said.

"The IPC is trying to balance athlete rights, sporting principles, and moral legitimacy.

"But yes, many will argue it is premature while the conflict continues and civilians suffer.

"The optics are very sensitive, and this won't be judged merely in........

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