At the Milan-Cortina Paralympics, Ukrainian biathlete Oleksandra Kononova won gold in the sprint competition but was involved in a controversy regarding her earrings that displayed the message 'stop war.' During the medal ceremony, organizers instructed her to remove the earrings, reinforcing the stance that they violated the International Paralympic Committee's ban on political messaging. Kononova expressed her disappointment over this decision in an interview with Norwegian media, stating that she wanted to convey a clear message about the war in Ukraine and hoped for peace in her country.

This incident has sparked outrage, particularly within Ukraine, as it highlights the ongoing tensions and struggles faced by the country amidst the conflict with Russia. The Ukrainian Paralympic Committee has since compiled a list of grievances documenting how Ukrainian athletes have been discriminated against during the Milan-Cortina games. Kononova's experience is cited as a primary example of this perceived mistreatment, fueling discussions about the role of political expression in international sporting events.

The backlash from this event signifies deeper issues related to expression and representation at international sporting events, particularly for nations affected by war. Kononova's earrings were not just a personal statement but also a symbol for many Ukrainians affected by the conflict, raising questions about the limits of personal expression in the face of political rules imposed by sporting organizations.