February 12, 2026. OTTAWA, ON. Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) issued the following statement:
Russia has killed over 660 Ukrainian athletes since launching a genocidal war of aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
The International Olympic Committee’s decision to disqualify Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Olympics for honouring Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia is a craven act that betrays the spirit of sport which the IOC pretends to represent.
Sport should teach young generations the value of honesty, teamwork, truth and honour. The IOC represents the opposite – cowardice, disrepute, expedience and dishonour.
With this decision, the IOC has insulted all who fight bravely for Ukraine and in defence of European freedom. In trying to silence those who would stand up against Russia’s war, the IOC has instead sided with the Russian aggressor.
The IOC’s choice to do so will be remembered as a stain on the Olympic movement.
May the memory of the fallen Ukrainian athletes be Еternal.
Вічная Пам’ять.
