In a recent meeting with Olena Kondratiuk, the Deputy Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, Latvian Parliament Speaker Daiga Mieriņa expressed her strong disapproval of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) handling of issues concerning Ukrainian athletes. Mieriņa highlighted the recent disqualification of skeleton athlete Vladislav Geraskevich and the prohibition imposed on Ukrainian athletes from wearing helmets that symbolize support for their country. This situation has sparked considerable outrage within Latvia, indicating a growing sentiment against perceived injustices faced by Ukrainian sports figures in the context of ongoing war crimes committed by Russia.

Mieriņa emphasized that Latvia will continue its efforts to raise awareness globally regarding the nature of Russian aggression. She pointed out that the so-called "soft power" employed by Russia is particularly evident in the realm of sports, where the country seeks to present a misleading narrative that undermines the realities of its actions in Ukraine. This manipulation of sports as a tool for propaganda signifies a deeper issue tied to the legitimacy of international sporting bodies in the face of geopolitical conflicts.

In response to the disqualification of Geraskevich and the broader implications for Ukrainian athletes, the Latvian Parliament unanimously adopted a resolution expressing support for Ukraine and condemning the IOC's actions. This resolution draws a parallel between the memory of those who have fallen and suffered in the defense of Ukraine and the unjust decisions made within international sports organizations. This moment not only highlights Latvia's solidarity with Ukraine but also calls for a broader reconsideration of how sports are managed within the context of war and national identity.