The Kremlin has expressed approval of the International Olympic Committee's recent decision to disqualify Ukrainian athlete V. Heraskevyčius from the upcoming Olympic Games, citing the principle that sports should remain free of political influence. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that athletes should focus on their sportsmanship rather than engaging in political agendas. This remark comes amid ongoing international scrutiny concerning Russia's involvement in the war in Ukraine, which has severely limited the country's participation in global sporting events.

The reaction to Heraskevyčius's disqualification has been widespread in Russia, particularly as the nation itself has been banned from the Olympics due to its military actions in Ukraine. Amid these restrictions, only a select few Russian athletes with neutral status are allowed to compete. Amir Chamytov, deputy chairman of the Russian Parliament's sports committee, decried the IOC's move as a blow to those who seek to use sports events as platforms for political propaganda. He posed a rhetorical question regarding athletes' true identities, suggesting they must choose between being competitors or political advocates.

Despite previous warnings from the IOC regarding conduct deemed politically motivated, Heraskevyčius persisted in attempting to wear a helmet that bore images of athletes who died in the conflict initiated by Russia. The juxtaposition of sports and politics remains a contentious issue, with both sides of the conflict utilizing athletic events to further their narratives on the global stage. The situation highlights the broader implications of the war on international sports and the strained relationships between nations in competitive arenas.