A Ukrainian minister has called an athlete who has been disqualified from the Winter Olympics a "hero".
13:42, Thu, Feb 12, 2026 Updated: 14:43, Thu, Feb 12, 2026
Zelensky has criticised the IOC's decision (Image: Getty)
Volodymyr Zelensky has lashed out at the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s decision to disqualify a Ukrainian athlete from the Winter Olympics over his choice of helmet.
He wrote on X, replying to Piers Morgan: "Thank you for taking a principled stance, Piers. The IOC’s decision is indeed morally appalling." Zelensky shared a post on X by the journalist regarding the IOC's decision. Mr Morgan wrote: "Disgusting decision. Shame on the Winter Olympic chiefs." Olympian Vladyslav Heraskevych's helmet was emblazoned with the faces of several Ukrainian athletes who were killed as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The 'helmet of memory' was a sign of respect for fallen Ukrainian athletes.
The Express has contacted the IOC for comment.
Vladyslav Heraskevych has been disqualified from the Winter Olympics (Image: X)
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The athelete accused the International Olympic Committee of doing Russia’s propaganda for them after he was barred from racing in the Winter Games.
He wore the helmet in all of his training runs leading up to the beginning of the competition today. He was informed by the IOC the helmet "does not comply" with the Olympic charter.
Speaking on his ban he said: "I feel emptiness. Yesterday was amazing training, before yesterday was also very good training. I could be among the medallists in this event but suddenly because of some interpretation of the rules that we do not agree with, I am not able to compete while other athletes in the same situation were able to compete and they didn't face any sanctions.
Heraskevych had been wearing a 'helmet of memory', (Image: Getty)
"Expression guidelines, I believe it is a very big wording count. What do you consider as expression? Many athletes here in this arena have helmets with different paints, and I believe that's also kind of expression. Some athletes have national symbols, that's also expression. But for some reason, their helmets weren't checked and they're allowed to compete but we're not.
The decision to ban him from competition was made after the IOC claimed Heraskevych "did not consider any form of compromise".
The governing body insisted he was banned because his helmet went against athlete guidelines, rather than because of displaying political propaganda.
On Tuesday, the IOC announced a “compromise” that would allow Heraskevych to wear a black armband instead of the helmet.
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In response Heraskevych said he would not stand down, adding that he will not "betray" his country.
“I will not betray these athletes. These athletes sacrificed their lives, and because of this sacrifice, I am able to be here, so I will not betray them,” he said.
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