PM OLYMPICS ⟩ Kersti Kaljulaid: Ukraine's Helmet Maneuver Was the Best Stratcom Operation Recently
Kersti Kaljulaid, president of the Estonian Olympic Committee, discussed the organization's activities regarding the Vladyslav Heraskevych incident during an interview at the Munich Security Conference.
During the Munich Security Conference, Kersti Kaljulaid, the president of the Estonian Olympic Committee (EOK), emphasized the significance of the 'helmet maneuver' executed by Ukraine, labeling it as the best strategic communications operation in recent times. In a telephone interview with Postimees, she elaborated on how this maneuver played a crucial role in highlighting various issues in Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Kaljulaid explained the EOK's involvement and support regarding the incident involving Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who made a bold statement during the Winter Olympics. The EOK has actively condemned the aggression towards Ukraine and sought to raise awareness about the struggles faced by Ukrainian athletes and the broader population impacted by the war.
The discussion around Ukraine's strategic communications efforts extends beyond mere sports; it illustrates the effective utilization of symbolic gestures in international relations and diplomacy. Kaljulaid's comments reflect a growing recognition of the role that athletes and sports organizations can play as advocates for political and social causes, particularly in times of crisis, showcasing their potential influence on global public opinion and solidarity with Ukraine.