Ukrainian athlete Vladislav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Milan Winter Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for wearing a helmet that featured images of over 20 deceased Ukrainian athletes and coaches who lost their lives in the ongoing war with Russia. Heraskevych refused to compete without the helmet, insisting on honoring his compatriots through this personal tribute.

The IOC expressed regret over its decision, stating that the helmet violated their rules regarding political expression in the sports arena. The governing body emphasized its commitment to keeping the Olympic Games free from political messaging, even in cases where athletes may wish to draw attention to significant national tragedies. This incident has sparked widespread discourse on the intersection of sports and politics, illustrating the delicate balance that Olympic authorities strive to maintain.

In response to the disqualification, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the decision, highlighting the importance of remembering those who have sacrificed their lives for Ukraine and asserting that sports should not equate to forgetting significant historical events. This situation raises questions about the extent to which athletes can express their political beliefs and support their countries during international competitions, especially in light of conflicts such as the ongoing war with Russia.