The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych for his clear stance.
He wrote this on February 12.
As the President noted, sport does not mean forgetfulness. Unfortunately, the International Olympic Committee’s decision to disqualify Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych says otherwise. This has nothing to do with the principles of Olympism, which are based on fairness and promoting peace.
“I thank our athlete for his clear stance. His helmet with portraits of fallen Ukrainian athletes is about honor and memory. It is a reminder to the whole world of what Russian aggression is and the price of the struggle for independence. And there is no violation of any rule in this”, — Zelenskyy stated.
The President stressed that it is Russia that constantly violates Olympic principles and uses the Olympic Games to wage war:
in 2008 — the war against Georgia,
in 2014 — the occupation of Crimea,
in 2022 — the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
And now, in 2026, despite numerous calls for a ceasefire during the Winter Olympic Games — complete contempt from Russia and increased missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilians.
According to the President, 660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed by Russia during the full-scale war.
“Hundreds of our athletes will never again be able to participate in the Olympic Games or any other international competitions. But meanwhile, 13 Russians are now in Italy participating in the Olympics”, — he wrote.
He stressed that Russian athletes compete under “neutral” flags, yet in real life publicly support Russian aggression and the occupation of Ukrainian territories — and it is they who deserve disqualification.
“We are proud of Vladyslav and his act. Having courage is more than having medals”, — the President concluded.
