The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently disqualified Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevytj due to his helmet displaying the names of 22 athletes who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. The IOC argued that this action constituted political propaganda and infringed upon Olympic regulations. Heraskevytj's helmet aimed to honor these athletes, members of the Olympic family and Ukrainian sports, rather than serve a political purpose.

Ukrainian journalist Stanislav Oroshkvutj raised his voice in opposition to the IOC's ruling, emphasizing the importance of memorializing those who have died rather than politicizing their memory. He met with Dagens Nyheter at the Olympic bobsleigh and skeleton track in Cortina, expressing frustration with the IOC's decision, which he described as hypocrisy. According to Oroshkvutj, the intent behind Heraskevytj's helmet design was rooted in respect and remembrance, not in political agenda.

The IOC's stance raises significant questions about the intersection of sports and politics, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. As athletes navigate the pressures of international competition, their gestures of solidarity or remembrance could be misinterpreted as political statements, leading to overly stringent regulations that impact their ability to honor their friends and colleagues. This incident highlights a broader conversation about the role of the Olympics as a platform for global unity versus its evolving regulations that may restrict personal expressions of grief and remembrance.