Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not happy with the International Olympics Committee.
A Ukrainian athlete has been barred from competing due to a "controversial" helmet. The athlete was disqualified for wearing a helmet to honor victims in the war with Russia. The International Olympics Committee determined that the helmet was unacceptable for wear during the Winter Games.
Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the men's skeleton competition on Thursday, after he refused to stop wearing a helmet that honored those who died in the war against Russia. The IOC bans athletes from making political statements during the Winter Olympics or Summer Olympics.
"We didn't find common ground in this regard," Heraskevych said.
The Ukrainan athlete felt that he was in bounds with his helmet choice.
"I believe, deeply, the IBSF and IOC understand that I’m not violating any rules," Heraskevych said. "Also, I would say (it's) painful that it really looks like discrimination because many athletes already were expressing themselves. ... They didn't face the same things. So, suddenly, just the Ukrainian athlete in this Olympic Games will be disqualified for the helmet."
© Athit Perawongmetha-Reuters via Imagn Images.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not happy with the IOC.
The President of Ukraine called out the Winter Olympics for their decision on the Ukraine athlete.
Zelenskyy rips IOC in scathing rant
Zelenskyy called out the Winter Olympics for having "amnesia."
"Sport shouldn’t mean amnesia, and the Olympic movement should help stop wars, not play into the hands of aggressors," Zelenskyy wrote on social media. "Unfortunately, the decision of the International Olympic Committee to disqualify Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych says otherwise. This is certainly not about the principles of Olympism, which are founded on fairness and the support of peace.
"I thank our athlete for his clear stance. His helmet, bearing the portraits of fallen Ukrainian athletes, is about honor and remembrance. It is a reminder to the whole world of what Russian aggression is and the cost of fighting for independence. And in this, no rule has been broken."
He ultimately blamed Russia.
"And now, in 2026, despite repeated calls for a ceasefire during the Winter Olympics, Russia shows complete disregard, increasing missile and drone strikes on our energy infrastructure and our people," Zelenskyy continued.
"660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed by Russia since the full-scale invasion began. Hundreds of our athletes will never again be able to take part in the Olympic Games or any other international competitions. And yet, 13 Russians are currently in Italy competing at the Olympics. They compete under ‘neutral’ flags at the Games, while in real life publicly supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine and the occupation of our territories. And they are the ones who deserve disqualification.
"We are proud of Vladyslav and of what he did. Having courage is worth more than any medal."
The Winter Games continue on NBC on Thursday.