Zelensky awarded Geraskevich with the Order of Freedom

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded disqualified Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Geraskevych with the Order of Freedom. The corresponding decree appeared on the website of the Presidential Office.

According to Decree 119/2026 of February 12, the President awarded Geraskevich the Order of Freedom.

Zelenskyy honored the member of the Ukrainian national Olympic team for his selfless service to the Ukrainian people, civic courage and patriotism in upholding the ideals of freedom and democratic values.

Earlier that day, President supported athlete after the decision to disqualify him from the Winter Olympics for using a "memory helmet".

"Sport does not mean forgetfulness, and the Olympic movement should help stop wars, not play along with the aggressor," Zelensky wrote, adding that the decision of the International Olympic Committee says otherwise.

The President believes that this is definitely not about the principles of Olympism, which are based on justice and peacekeeping.

"I thank our athlete for his clear position. His helmet with portraits of fallen Ukrainian athletes is about honor and memory. It is a reminder to the whole world what Russian aggression is and what the price of the struggle for independence is. And there is no violation of any rule in this," Zelenskyy is convinced.

The President reminded that it is Russia that constantly violates Olympic principles and uses the time of the Olympics for war. In 2008, the war against Georgia, in 2014, the occupation of Crimea, in 2022, a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And now, in 2026, despite numerous calls for a ceasefire during the Games, we are seeing Russia's complete disregard for the ceasefire and increased attacks on Ukraine.

660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches were killed by Russia during the full-scale war. At the same time, 13 Russians are currently participating in the Olympics in Italy.

"It is only at the Olympic Games that they are under 'neutral' flags, but in real life they publicly support Russian aggression against Ukraine and the occupation of our territories. And they deserve to be disqualified. We are proud of Vladyslav and his actions. Having courage is more than having medals," Zelensky emphasized.

• On February 9, Geraskevich reported that one of the IOC officials prohibits the use of helmets with the image of athletes killed as a result of Russian aggression. Zelensky thanked the Ukrainian for "reminding the world of the price of our struggle."
• The NOC of Ukraine appealed to the IOC to allow Geraskevich compete at the Olympic Games in this helmet.
• On February 10, the IOC ruled that Geraskevich cannot wear his "memory helmet" in skeleton competitions, but can use a black armband.
• On February 12, the IOC decided to disqualification Geraskevich, because "the helmet he intended to wear did not comply with the rules."