The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
Ukrainian Armed Forces athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych at the 2026 Olympic Games is defending his right to compete wearing the “Helmet of Remembrance”.
Not only fellow athletes, but also Ukrainian servicemen express their support for him.
“Helmet of Remembrance”
Skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who served as Ukraine’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony, began training runs at the Olympics wearing a helmet adorned with portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed as a result of the Russian invasion.
In total, the Helmet of Remembrance features 24 portraits, and several of the athletes mentioned had defended Ukraine in the ranks of the Armed Forces.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) prohibited the Ukrainian athlete from competing in this helmet, arguing that the images violate Article 50 of the Olympic Charter, which bans political, discriminatory, and racial propaganda. Instead, the IOC allowed the Ukrainian athlete to wear a black armband as a “compromise”.
Vladyslav Heraskevych emphasized that despite the ban, he intends to compete wearing this helmet at the official start of the competition on February 12.
“Thanks to their sacrifice, we are alive today and can be part of these Olympic Games. And I sincerely believe that it is precisely because of their sacrifice that this Olympics can even take place today”, — he said at a briefing for international media in the Olympic Village.
Reaction of the Military
The situation around the Ukrainian athlete has drawn attention from media worldwide, and famous athletes and public figures are expressing support for him. Ukrainian servicemen have also supported Vladyslav Heraskevych on social media.
Special Operations Forces soldiers published a photo with the inscription “Remembrance is not violation”. This phrase appeared on the gloves of Ukrainian luger Olena Smaha, who displayed it during competition in support of Heraskevych.
“Courage is in each of us. Dignity and honor are always worth fighting for!” — the SOF emphasized.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine published several posts on Facebook and thanked Vladyslav for his determination.
“Thank you for your strong stance! We are proud of our athletes!” — one post reads.
The 37th Marine Brigade also expressed full support for the Ukrainian skeleton athlete.
“Vladyslav, your stance is courage. It is the voice of those who can no longer speak for themselves. It is a reminder to the world of the price Ukraine pays for every flag raised on the international stage. You can forbid an image on a helmet, but you cannot erase memory. We know who we are fighting for. The whole world must know who you are competing for”, — the statement says.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine also expressed support on its Facebook page:
“This is more than sport. Thank you for your bravery!”
On February 12, the skeleton athlete will take the official start. If the IOC does not change its decision, Heraskevych may face disqualification. However, by his action he reminded the world that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, and the occupiers do not stop shelling Ukrainian cities despite calls for an Olympic Truce.
