“Sport does not mean oblivion, and the Olympic movement should 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 the principles of Olympism, which are based on justice and support for peace”, - President Zelensky said on February 12.
“I thank our athlete for his clear position. His helmet with portraits of fallen Ukrainian athletes is about honor and memory. It is a reminder to the whole world of what russian aggression is and what the price of the struggle for independence is. And there is no violation of any rule in this. It is russia that constantly violates Olympic principles and uses the time of the Olympics for war. In 2008 — the war against Georgia, in 2014 — the occupation of Crimea, in 2022 — the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And now, in 2026, despite numerous calls to cease fire during the Winter Olympic Games — complete disregard on the part of russia and an increase in missile and drone strikes on our energy sector and our people”, - Zelensky emphasized.
He recalled that 660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches were killed by russia during the full-scale war.
“Hundreds of our athletes will never again be able to take part in either the Olympic Games or any other international competitions. But at the same time, 13 russians are now in Italy and taking part in the Olympics. At the Olympic Games they are under ‘neutral’ flags, and in life they publicly support russian aggression against Ukraine and the occupation of our territories. And it is they who deserve disqualification. We are proud of Vladyslav and his act. To have courage is more than to have medals”, - the President emphasized.
On February 12, a Decree awarding Vladyslav Heraskevych the Order of Freedom was published on the official website of the President.