Moldovan Olympic Flag Bearer's Support for Putin Sparks Social Media Controversy

Controversy Erupts Over Moldovan Olympic Flag Bearer

According to Главком: Elizaveta Khlusovici, the 18-year-old skier chosen to carry Moldova's flag at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, has become embroiled in scandal. Users from Moldova discovered her activity on the Russian social network VKontakte, where she publicly expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's war against Ukraine. The revelation caused a significant public outcry, leading to her profile being scrubbed and later deleted entirely. This incident highlights the intense scrutiny athletes face regarding their political views, especially in the context of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Khlusovici was selected to bear the Moldovan flag at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Games. Her mother, Natalia Levchenkova, is a well-known Russian biathlete who competed for Moldova. Khlusovici herself was born in Russia, which adds context to her stated political position. Of the five athletes representing Moldova at the upcoming Italian Olympics, four are Russian-born:

• Elizaveta Khlusovici
• Alina Stremous
• Pavel Magazeev
• Maxim Makarov

Following the media exposure, Khlusovici's VKontakte profile was renamed from Lisa Khlusovici to Natalia L. within hours. By February 9th-the date scheduled for the third competition day of the 2026 Olympics-the profile had vanished completely. Reports indicate Ukrainian athletes will only compete in two disciplines at these Games. The scandal surrounding Khlusovici underscores the complex political landscape and the powerful role social media plays in shaping public opinion.

The Impact of Personal Views on Athletic Careers

This case illustrates how an athlete's personal political views can significantly impact their career and public perception, particularly during periods of geopolitical tension. In the modern world, publicly supporting or criticizing political figures can lead to serious repercussions, even in the realm of sports, which often becomes a forum for heated political debate. The situation with Khlusovici also emphasizes the critical function of social networks in forming public sentiment and their capacity to expose information that can damage an individual's reputation.