Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who served as the flag bearer for his national team, attempted to make a political statement during the official training for the 2026 Olympic Games by wearing a helmet adorned with the portraits of twenty deceased Ukrainian sports representatives who fought alongside the armed forces. This act was reported widely, especially in Russian propaganda media, as an instance of political provocation, leading to accusations against him including the presence of 'Nazi symbols' and 'banned organization symbols' on the helmet. In reality, these claims seem to be unfounded and rather an exaggeration of the situation.

On February 9, during the official training session, Heraskevych refused to remove the helmet featuring these commemorative portraits, which led to his removal from the competition at the Milano-Cortina Games. Following this incident, the International Olympic Committee also rejected his appeal, upholding the disqualification. This incident not only highlights the intense scrutiny faced by athletes from Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia but also reflects how sports can become a battleground for political narratives in the current geopolitical climate.

The scandal has fueled discussions about the intersection of sports and politics, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. It showcases the lengths to which individuals may go to honor the fallen and bring attention to their country's struggles. The response from the International Olympic Committee may also indicate a growing reluctance to engage in political symbolism within sports at a time of heightened international tensions.