In response to the controversy surrounding his wearing a helmet that honors fallen Ukrainian athletes during competitions, Vladyslav Heraskevytj received support from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The helmet features depictions of Ukrainian sports figures and coaches who have died due to the ongoing war with Russia. The issue drew considerable media attention, marking it as a significant moment in this year's Olympic Games.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha described the incident as a 'moment of shame,' criticizing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for its response to Heraskevytj's choice. Heraskevytj reportedly had a private conversation with IOC President Kirsty Coventry shortly before competing, highlighting the tensions between athletes' expressions of national pride and the IOC's policy on neutrality in the wake of geopolitical conflicts.

Zelenskyy took to social media to defend Heraskevytj, stating that sports should not lead to forgetting the sacrifices made due to war. He emphasized that the Olympic movement should strive to deter aggression rather than appease it. The President termed Heraskevytj's actions as courageous and thanked him for his clear stance, embodying the struggle of Ukraine on an international stage.