The International Skating Union published and then deleted a video featuring a Russian skater to a Ukrainian song.

According to inkorr.com: The International Skating Union (ISU) official account on Instagram posted, and then quickly removed, a video of Russian figure skater Petr Gumennik performing to a Ukrainian song. Previously, a clip of his performance at the Olympic qualifiers in Beijing was shared on the ISU Figure Skating page, where he showcased a program set to music from the movie 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.'

ISU's Reaction

Another news item concerns the reaction of the International Skating Union (ISU) to a call for support from Russian skaters regarding the war on social media. Russian athletes Ksenia Korzhova, Anna Urazova, and Oleksandra Saitina received 'neutral' status for qualification for the 2026 Olympics, but they liked posts supporting the war and Russian dictator Putin. For example, Korzhova expressed support for Russian aggression in Ukraine by liking posts from gymnast Mykyta Nahornyi, who has been sanctioned for supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Petr Gumennik's performance to a Ukrainian song at the competition sparked significant resonance among figure skating fans. At the same time, ISU's reaction to the celebration of the war by Russian athletes underscores the importance of adhering to ethical standards and social accountability regarding politically charged events.

This incident shows how closely intertwined sports and politics are, especially given the current geopolitical situation. Despite the successes of individual athletes, their actions and statements can have far-reaching consequences for both their personal careers and the entire sports community.