The 'controversy' grows at the Olympics → 'The faces of fellow Russian war victims...' IOC offers compromise... Ukra "Remembrance is not a violation" [Milan Olympics]

*This content was translated by AI.

Political propaganda is strictly prohibited on the Olympic stage, but some athletes in war-torn Ukraine are delivering heartbreaking messages of remembrance.

Major foreign media, including Reuters and the BBC, reported on the 11th (Korea time) that Vladislav Heraskevich, the national skeleton representative of Ukraine, expressed his intention to commemorate those who were killed in the war with Russia despite the International Olympic Committee's ban.

With the 2026 Milan-Cortina D'Ampezzo Winter Olympics in full swing, Heraskevich recently carried out a practice run wearing a memorial helmet bearing the faces of 24 Ukrainian sportsmen who died during the war with Russia.

Heraskevich held a press conference in Cortina d'Ampezzo on the 10th local time and said, "Thanks to the players who were sacrificed, we were able to compete here as a 'one team'. I will not betray them," he said.

Regarding the helmet he wore, he said, "I wore this helmet yesterday and today in training. I will wear it tomorrow, and on the day of the game. They believe they deserve to be with us in the tournament," he said.

However, based on Article 50 (2) of the Olympic Charter, "No demonstration or political, religious, or racial propaganda is permitted in Olympic stadiums, facilities, or other areas," the IOC said it would not be possible to wear helmets during the Olympic Games. However, he has proposed a compromise that he will not oppose the wearing of a black "Memorial Armband."

Nevertheless, Heraskevich said, "We cannot agree with the IOC decision," and added, "We did not violate any rules. This helmet and Article 50 (2) of the Olympic Charter are not related at all," he said, showing a strong attitude.

The same Ukrainian player, Olena Smaha (Luge event), joined Heraskevich by writing the phrase "Remembrance is not a Violation" on her glove.

Latvian coach Steinberg also attended the press conference and expressed support. He said, "Other countries are also strongly supportive. If (Heraskevich) is disqualified, we will discuss countermeasures," he said.

However, the IOC still says it is difficult to wear a helmet. The IOC said, "I understand their desire to pay tribute to their friends who were sent away because of the conflict. However, any political expression should be excluded from the stadium. "All players should be able to focus only on the game," he stressed.

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*This content was translated by AI.