Lithuania has voiced strong criticism towards the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following its decision to disqualify Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych. The athlete was disqualified for wearing a helmet that served as a 'helmet of remembrance,' which commemorates fallen Ukrainian athletes. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda expressed his support for Heraskevych on social media, highlighting the athlete's bravery in using the Olympic stage to honor those who lost their lives in the ongoing war. He declared pride in Heraskevych's actions, emphasizing that the memory of fallen heroes should be honored.

In addition to President Nausėda's remarks, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys described the IOC's ruling as despicable, arguing that remembrance of fallen athletes should not be seen as a violation of any rules. Budrys pointed out that the helmet wore by Heraskevych features faces and serves as a human tribute rather than a political statement, suggesting that the IOC's decision undermines the very spirit of sport and remembrance. He called for respect and acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by Ukrainian athletes.

The incident raises broader questions about the IOC's policies regarding political statements and symbols during the Olympics. Critics argue that the IOC should allow athletes to express their solidarity and commemorate tragic events through personal tributes. This situation not only highlights the tension between sports and politics but also underscores Lithuania's solidarity with Ukraine in the face of aggression, reinforcing their stance on international issues related to the conflict with Russia.