Petition to Sanction IOC's Sergey Bubka and Strip His Hero Title Gains 5,000 Signatures

Petition Targets Sergey Bubka

According to Главком: A petition demanding sanctions against International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Sergey Bubka and the revocation of his 'Hero of Ukraine' title has surpassed 5,000 signatures. Launched by Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, the appeal was published on the Cabinet of Ministers' website on Friday, February 27, 2026. As of 9:35 AM on March 1, 2026, it had garnered 5,654 votes. The petition requires 25,000 signatures to mandate an official government review. This effort highlights the intense public scrutiny faced by Ukrainian public figures regarding their wartime allegiances.

Heraskevych's Appeal to Parliament

Vladyslav Heraskevych publicly called for sanctions against Bubka during an address to the Verkhovna Rada on Thursday, February 26, 2026. In his statement, he argued:

“I believe Sergey Bubka is not worthy of holding the highest state award – the title of Hero of Ukraine. During Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, defenders of the homeland are dying every day. This title effectively places Bubka on the same level as those who give their lives for Ukraine.” - Vladyslav Heraskevych

Sergey Bubka, a decorated pole vault legend and recipient of the Hero of Ukraine award, has faced criticism for his alleged cooperation with Russian occupying forces. The Ukrainian civic movement 'Chesno' (Fair) added him to its 'Register of Traitors,' further fueling public outrage. Heraskevych's petition reflects this anger and a broader societal push for accountability during the ongoing conflict.

The controversy surrounding Bubka underscores deep divisions within Ukrainian society over patriotism and collaboration. The growing support for the petition demonstrates an active public response to individuals perceived as failing moral tests during wartime. The outcome hinges on whether the required 25,000 signatures can be gathered, a milestone that could trigger a formal review with significant implications for Bubka's legacy and public standing in Ukraine.