The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Ukrainian skeletonist Vladislav Heraskevič will not be permitted to compete in the Olympic Games wearing a helmet that displays images of Ukrainian athletes who have died in the war. This decision underscores the IOC's stance on maintaining neutrality in the Games, as outlined in the Olympic Charter, which prohibits any demonstrations of political, religious, or racial propaganda at the event venues. Heraskevič, who is set to carry the Ukrainian flag during the opening ceremony, had previously stated his intention to draw attention to Russia's aggression in Ukraine during the Olympics.

Heraskevič's concern comes in the context of similar past instances where the IOC condoned expressions of remembrance or protest. However, this time, the IOC has opted to enforce special measures concerning Ukraine, highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding the ongoing conflict. The athlete expressed disappointment over the ruling, citing past allowances by the IOC for honoring victims in other contexts, suggesting a perceived inconsistency in the Committee's application of its rules.

As the Olympics proceed, it is noteworthy that while athletes from Ukraine are being restricted in how they can express their grief and solidarity, 13 athletes from Russia and Belarus are competing under a 'neutral athlete' status, demonstrating a complex situation where responses to the war in Ukraine are deeply intertwined with international sport policies.