Vladyslav Heraskevych's Address at the YES Meeting
Following his disqualification from the Winter Olympics, Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych delivered a speech at a special YES meeting in Kyiv. Organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation and the Yalta European Strategy (YES), the event took place on February 24th, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The forum provided a significant platform for discussing Ukraine's wartime challenges and its place in the world.
Attendees at the event included:
- Political figures
- Government officials
- Military commanders
- Policy experts
- Parliamentarians from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, European nations, and the United States
Heraskevych confirmed he will continue to appeal the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to disqualify him.
“In my field—in sport—I think you can see that we are very different from the Russians. Russian athletes are willing to give up their flag; they are willing to give up their symbols just for any opportunity to spread their propaganda. But we are ready to give up participation in the Olympics to defend our dignity.”
Vladyslav Heraskevych
Heraskevych also issued a call for continued international backing:
“So please, continue to support Ukraine, stay with Ukraine, be with Ukraine. Support our country in the best way possible.”
Vladyslav Heraskevych
The meeting served as a crucial venue for dialogue, extending beyond sports to address patriotic themes relevant to Ukraine's current struggle.
Upholding National Identity
Vladyslav Heraskevych's YES forum remarks underscore the critical importance of preserving national identity and dignity within international athletic competition. The disqualification of Ukrainian athletes due to political circumstances highlights the complex intersection of sports and global politics, a dynamic that carries profound weight amid the ongoing war. His appeal for solidarity and the support he has received from the international community can help raise awareness of Ukraine's situation and the challenges it faces on the world stage.