The Ukrainian luge relay team showed solidarity with skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, barred from competing for wearing a helmet honoring Ukrainian athletes killed in the conflict with Russia.

Vladyslav Heraskevych's "helmet of remembrance" was banned by the IOC, with the Ukrainian losing a subsequent appeal to CAS.

The topic has become a debate during the 2026 Milan Cortina Games amid the conflicts involving Russia and Israel.

The Ukrainian skeleton racer who was disqualified from the Milan Cortina Olympics was given a gift of more than $200,000 on Tuesday to help him keep competing and advocating for his country.

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych will not competeafter refusing a last-minute plea from the IOC to use a helmet other than the one that honors more than 20 of his country's athletes and coaches killed in the war with Russia.

Ukraine said Wednesday that its officials will not attend the Winter Paralympics next month over the decision by organizers to allow a handful of Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their

Vladysav Heraskevych, the Ukrainian skeleton racer disqualified from over his remembrance helmet, has received his country's Order of Freedom.

Six Russians and four Belarusians will be allowed to compete at the upcoming Games in Milan. It will be the first time the Russian flag has flown at the Paralympics since 2014.

The International Olympic Committee said that the helmet wouldn’t be allowed in competition, citing a rule against making political statements