Ukrainian Bank Awards One Million Hryvnias to Disqualified Olympian Heraskevych.

Vladyslav Heraskevych Receives Award

According to Novyny.live: Monobank has announced it will grant a 1 million hryvnia award to Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics. The bank's decision is a direct response to the controversy surrounding the athlete's use of a helmet featuring images of fallen Ukrainian athletes. This gesture highlights the deep connection between Ukrainian sport and national resilience during a time of conflict.

The disqualification occurred on February 12, 2026, at the 2026 Olympics, sparking significant debate within Ukrainian sports and society. In a show of solidarity the day prior, on February 11, 2026, Monobank released a special app skin featuring the athlete in his 'memorial helmet,' symbolizing support and honoring those who lost their lives.

Recognition and Solidarity

Oleh Horokhovskyi, a co-founder of Monobank, expressed pride in Vladyslav Heraskevych, stating:

"We are proud of Vladyslav Heraskevych." - Oleh Horokhovskyi

Concurrently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the core purpose of the Olympic movement, noting:

"The Olympic movement should help stop wars, not play along with an aggressor." - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The award from Monobank and the support from Ukrainian leaders underscore the public's respect for athletes who, despite immense challenges, continue to represent their country with honor on the world stage. This event reinforces how sport in Ukraine has become intertwined with national memory and collective identity during wartime.