Verkhovna Rada Vote on Honoring Vladyslav Heraskevych
On March 10, Ukraine's parliament voted on a motion to request that the President award skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. The proposal, authored by MP Oksana Savchuk, sought to grant Heraskevych the Order of Merit. The vote passed with 112 deputies in favor, 5 against, 7 abstaining, and 154 not voting. This debate highlights the complex reassessment of public figures in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion.
However, the parliament did not support a separate request to strip the state honors of two other prominent athletes: former pole vaulter Serhiy Bubka and swimmer Yana Klochkova. MP Vasyl Virastyuk, who is also honorary president of the Ukrainian Strongman Federation, voted in favor of revoking their awards.
Vasyl Virastyk's Stance
Virastyuk publicly explained his position, arguing that Serhiy Bubka is unworthy of holding the title 'Hero of Ukraine'. He stated that this highest state honor should be reserved for those defending the nation in wartime.
"I believe Serhiy Bubka is not worthy of bearing the highest state award—the title 'Hero of Ukraine'. During Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, defenders of the homeland are dying every day. This title essentially places Bubka on the same level as those who give their lives for Ukraine—like Vladyslav Heraskevych." - Vasyl Virastyuk
It is notable that on February 26, 2026, Heraskevych himself addressed the Verkhovna Rada, calling for sanctions against Bubka. Bubka, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has been listed in the 'Register of Traitors' by the Chesno movement for alleged collaboration with the occupying forces.
No vote was held on a request to award Heraskevych the 'Hero of Ukraine' title, underscoring the contentious nature of reassessing athletes' legacies. This situation reflects broader societal tensions in Ukraine over how to evaluate public figures' contributions during a time of national struggle, where state honors are being re-examined through the lens of patriotism and wartime service.