Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified for refusing to remove a helmet honoring Ukrainian victims of the Russian invasion. Zelensky stated that the Olympic movement should aim to halt wars, not operate to the advantage of aggressors. He emphasized pride in the athletes who stand for their country's dignity, asserting that courage holds more value than medals in such circumstances.

Heraskevych's disqualification causes significant controversy, not only because it reflects strict adherence to IOC rules but also because it raises questions about the role of sports in political expression. The IOC stated that Heraskevych was barred from participating in the 2026 Milan and Cortina Games due to his refusal to comply with their guidelines on athlete expression during competitions. This situation highlights the tension between expressing socio-political messages and abiding by international sports regulations.

The issue at hand illustrates the broader implications of sport in times of political conflict. The debate surrounding athletes' rights to make political statements during competitions gained momentum especially after the 2021 rule prohibiting political gestures at events. Zelensky’s comments reflect a push for further dialogue on how sports organizations should respond to political situations while allowing athletes to express their dignity without facing repercussions.