Ukraine’s Heraskevych Honors War Victims with Powerful Helmet Tribute

Emotional Tribute on Ice

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych made a powerful statement during Winter Olympics training in Cortina, wearing a helmet adorned with images of people killed in the war in Ukraine.

“Some of them were my friends,” Heraskevych told Reuters, referencing fellow athletes such as:

• Alina Peregudova (teen weightlifter)

• Pavlo Ishchenko (boxer)

• Oleksiy Loginov (ice hockey player)

The 26-year-old, who carried Ukraine’s flag at the opening ceremony, is using his visibility to ensure the world doesn’t forget the human cost of war.

Olympic Symbolism & Caution

• Heraskevych previously made headlines by holding a “No War in Ukraine” sign at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, just before Russia’s full-scale invasion.

• His current tribute raises questions under Olympic Charter Rule 50.2, which bans political demonstrations in Olympic venues.

• The IOC has contacted Ukraine’s Olympic Committee about the helmet, and Heraskevych says the matter is “being processed.”

Balancing Protest with Olympic Rules

Heraskevych emphasizes he intends to respect the rules but wants to raise awareness within boundaries:

“I want to remind the world what Ukraine is going through. It’s not just a story—it’s personal.”

Background: IOC & Russian Athletes

• Following the 2022 invasion, athletes from Russia and Belarus were largely excluded from international competition.

• For Milan-Cortina 2026, the IOC approved 13 Russian athletes to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs)—a move criticized by Ukraine and allies.