The acclaimed gymnast Kovtun has officially changed his Ukrainian citizenship to Croatian

According to glavcom.ua: Illya Kovtun, a Ukrainian gymnast, has decided to accept Croatian citizenship. He explained his decision by stating that he feels a moral obligation to the residents of Osijek and felt great support after his Olympic victory.

“It wasn't just the war in Ukraine that influenced my decision. There were many situations that made me decide to change my citizenship. I feel a moral obligation to the people in Osijek. Here, I was welcomed. When I won the Olympic medal, I felt that the people here were happier than in Ukraine,” Kovtun said.

Kovtun also stated that he had been outside Ukraine since the beginning of the war. His decision has caused outrage and comments within the sports community.

Ukrainian gymnast Illya Kovtun decided to accept Croatian citizenship, explaining his choice as a desire to thank the locals for their support and asserting that they celebrated more than Ukrainians after his Olympic successes.