'Russians deserve disqualification': Zelenskyy condemns Olympic ban on Ukrainian athlete

According to the president, the decision of the International Olympic Committee contradicts the principles of the Olympic movement.

"Sport does not mean forgetfulness, and Olympic movement must help stop wars, not play along with the aggressor. Unfortunately, the decision of the International Olympic Committee to disqualify Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych says otherwise. This is definitely not about principles of Olympism, which are based on fairness and support for peace," Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President thanked the athlete for his position, noting that the helmet with portraits of fallen Ukrainian athletes is an expression of respect and memory.

"His helmet with portraits of fallen Ukrainian athletes is about respect and memory. It is a reminder to the whole world what Russian aggression is and what the price of the struggle for independence is. And there is no violation of any rule in this," he stressed.

Zelenskyy also stated that Russia itself systematically violates Olympic principles by using the period of the Games to wage war.

"And now, in 2026, despite numerous calls to cease fire during the Winter Olympic Games, there is complete disregard from Russia and an increase in strikes with missiles and drones against our energy sector and our people," the head of state said.

The President reported that during full-scale war, Russia killed 660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, and hundreds of athletes will no longer be able to compete in international competitions.

At the same time, 13 Russian athletes are participating in the Olympics in Italy under a neutral flag.

"At the Olympic Games, they are under 'neutral' flags, but in life, they publicly support Russian aggression against Ukraine and the occupation of our territories. And they deserve disqualification," Zelenskyy noted.

"We are proud of Vladyslav and his action. To have courage is more than to have medals," the president added.

What preceded

On February 9, Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych appeared at training for the Winter Olympics 2026 wearing a "memory helmet." It featured portraits of more than 20 Ukrainian athletes killed by Russian forces.

Later, the athlete reported that the International Olympic Committee banned the use of this helmet during official training and competitions.

Heraskevych stated that he intends to appeal the decision of the International Olympic Committee and fight for the right to compete at the Games in this helmet.

The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine also appealed to the International Olympic Committee with a request to allow the athlete to participate in the 2026 Olympics wearing a "memory helmet," but received a refusal.

Despite the ban and threat of disqualification, Heraskevych emphasized that he will continue to start in this helmet during official runs.

On the morning of February 12, the athlete held a meeting with the president of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, but the parties did not reach an agreement. After that, Vladyslav was disqualified before his first official run at the Olympics.