As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games unfold, Russian propaganda appears to have intensified its efforts to discredit Ukraine, particularly focusing on skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. Heraskevych aimed to make a statement by competing in a helmet adorned with portraits of Ukrainian athletes who lost their lives due to Russian aggression. This act of homage has caught the attention of Russian media, prompting them to launch a campaign of misinformation targeting both the athlete and Ukrainian sports authorities.

A recent fake news story, presented as a report from Reuters, alleges that Ukrainian officials are attempting to exert pressure on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) concerning Heraskevych's potential disqualification by threatening to expose personal data of IOC members. This narrative has been systematically debunked, highlighting how Russian propagandists have manipulated existing footage and crafted misleading commentary to present fabricated claims aimed at undermining Ukraine's reputation on the world stage.

The dissemination of these false narratives not only serves to tarnish the individual athlete's image but also reflects a broader strategy by Russian authorities to exploit international events for their propaganda purposes. By targeting the Olympics, a global platform for unity and sportsmanship, Russia aims to divert attention from its actions and create a false narrative surrounding Ukrainian athletes, thereby damaging their credibility and undermining international support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts.