Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has awarded one of the highest state honors to Vladislav Heraskevych, an Olympic skeleton athlete who was disqualified from the Winter Games for wearing a helmet adorned with the faces of athletes who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The incident occurred during the Winter Games in Italy, where the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation ruled that the helmet's imagery violated the competition’s rules on political neutrality.

Zelenskiy expressed respect not only for Heraskevych's bravery in making a poignant statement through his gear but also for the camaraderie shown by other athletes who supported him during this challenging moment. During the ceremony, Zelenskiy emphasized that while medals hold significance, the values and identity of the individual athlete resonate much more profoundly, especially in the context of their nation's struggles.

This honor serves as not just a recognition of Heraskevych's athletic abilities but also as a testament to the solidarity and resilience of Ukrainian athletes in the face of adversity. It highlights how sports and political expressions can sometimes collide, and it raises questions about the boundaries of neutrality in international competitions amid global conflicts.