Ukrainian Gymnasts Cover Their Faces During Russian and Belarusian Anthems at European Championships

European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Varna

According to Главком: During the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Varna, held from May 27 to 31, 2026, Romanian gymnast Andrea Verdes competed in the all-around final to music from the Soviet series 'Seventeen Moments of Spring.' Performing with a ball, Verdes scored 26.050 points but did not break into the top ten.

At the junior awards ceremony, Ukrainian gymnasts shielded their faces with their hands and put on headphones as the national anthems of Russia and Belarus played. Varvara Chubarova won a bronze medal in the ball routine, finishing behind Belarusian Kira Babkevich, who took gold. In the ribbon final, Sofia Krainska earned silver, while Russia's Yana Zaikina claimed the top spot.

Campaign to Remember War Victims

Alongside the competition, the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation launched a global campaign to honor victims of war. The initiative encourages participants to take photos or videos covering their eyes or ears with their hands, and to use the official Ukrainian air raid siren audio as background sound in video content. Posts on social platforms are urged to include the campaign’s hashtags:

• #CloseYourEyesAndEars
• #RememberUkraine

These events at the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships highlight not only the athletic competition but also the socio-political reality facing Ukraine. The symbolic gestures by Ukrainian gymnasts during the medal ceremony draw attention to the ongoing war and its human cost, potentially raising global awareness. The newly launched remembrance campaign underscores Ukraine’s efforts to preserve the memory of its losses and sustain national identity amid conflict.

In light of the ongoing challenges faced by athletes due to the war, the Ukrainian government has initiated a financial support program for the families of fallen sportsmen, ensuring they receive significant compensation. This effort underscores the commitment to honor those who have sacrificed for the nation, reflecting a broader societal acknowledgment of the impact of conflict on sports and culture. To learn more about this initiative and its implications for the families affected, read about the financial support for families of deceased athletes.