Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his dissatisfaction with the disqualification of skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Winter Olympics. The disqualification arose from controversy surrounding Heraskevych's helmet, which features portraits of deceased Ukrainian athletes killed during the war, a tribute to their sacrifice. Zelensky utilized the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice his opinion that the realm of sports should not erase important memories, urging that the decision reflects poorly on the Olympic movement, which he feels is not taking a firm stand against wars.

In his posts, Zelensky reiterated the significance of Heraskevych's helmet, stating that it symbolizes honor and remembrance, and serves as a reminder to the world of the costs of Russian aggression in Ukraine. He emphasized that wearing such a helmet does not contravene any rules of the Olympic spirit or the event itself. Instead, he pointed fingers at Russia, asserting that their actions consistently violate the principles of the Olympic Games by continuing military operations during the Olympics.

Zelensky’s comments highlight a broader context of ongoing tension between Ukraine and Russia, especially as the nation seeks to assert its identity and memory through sports. The incident raises questions about freedom of expression in athletics and whether the Olympic Committee should adopt a more nuanced view concerning political statements made by athletes. The backlash against the IOC’s decision exemplifies international relations' complexities in the realm of sporting events, particularly when they intersect with national pride and memory during wartime.