Zelenskyy Criticizes IOC's Disqualification of Heraskevych as Unjust.

07.03.2026 221

07.03.2026 221

Zelenskyy on Geraskevych's disqualification

Disagreement with the International Olympic Committee's Decision

According to TSN.ua: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly criticized a decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that led to the disqualification of Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych on February 12. The disqualification was due to Heraskevych's use of a 'memorial helmet' to honor the memory of more than 20 Ukrainian athletes killed in the war, which the IOC ruled violated competition rules. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between international sports governance and the realities faced by Ukrainian athletes during the ongoing conflict.

President's Comments

Commenting on the decision, Zelenskyy stated that

'this decision is clearly not about peace, nor about justice, nor about the principles of the Olympic movement'

. He emphasized the importance of memory and respect in sports, declaring:

'Sport should not exist without memory and respect'

. The President also highlighted what he described as political double standards, noting that:

'politics is when Russians hide behind other passports and still get to compete'
'when the Russian flag is still present at the Olympics'

Furthermore, Zelenskyy asserted that 'politics is when the International Olympic Committee is afraid of the truth and thereby provokes chaos itself'. In a show of support for Vladyslav Heraskevych, the President signed a decree awarding the athlete the Order of Liberty. The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place as scheduled, but the conditions for Ukrainian athletes' participation in international competitions remain uncertain.

'Thank you for your principled stance'

, Zelenskyy added, expressing his support for the athlete.

This situation underscores the strain between the global sports community and the political reality in Ukraine, particularly in the context of war and the losses suffered by Ukrainian athletes. The IOC's refusal to acknowledge the memorial gesture may fuel further debate on ethics and politics in sports. President Zelenskyy's support for Heraskevych and the awarding of the Order of Liberty could send a significant message on the international stage regarding sporting values and the political challenges Ukraine faces.