Azerbaijan’s delegation to the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo has been paying close attention to the preparation and well-being of its athletes, officials said on Wednesday.

Azerbaijan's delegation has been assigned its position in the parade of nations at the Winter Olympic Games 2026 opening ceremony in Italy, Azernews reports.

It's the first stop for Vance on a trip combining diplomacy and sports. He is leading President Donald Trump's delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics and later stopping in Armenia and Azerbaijan in a show of support for a peace agreement brokered by the White House last year.

Armenian skaters Nikita Rakhmanin and Karina Akopova performed to music titled “Artsakh.” Azerbaijani officials said they consider the

Vance will lead the U.S. delegation at the Milano-Cortina Winter Games opening ceremony, joined by senior officials and former Olympic athletes. The

Azerbaijan has filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee over Armenia figure skaters' performance to the song, “Artsakh.”

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Team USA made an immediate impact on the first full day of competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, headlined by another one-sided performance from the women's hockey team and a five-point lead in figure skating's team event that sets up a pivotal Sunday.

The 2026 Winter Olympics were under way in Milan, Italy, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance looking on. Team USA is expected to come out into San Siro soon.