‘War propaganda’ row: Ukrainian skater forced to cover helmet message

Ukrainian short track speed skater Oleh Handei has been ordered to tape over the quote “Where there is heroism, there can be no final defeat” on his helmet after officials deemed it linked to the conflict with Russia.

Handei is scheduled to compete in the 1500m event at the Milano Cortina Games this Saturday.

The disputed text is a line from celebrated Ukrainian writer Lina Kostenko, which the athlete used as a source of personal motivation.

‘Sorry, but it is propaganda’

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) enforces strict regulations barring political demonstrations or statements at Olympic venues.

Upon inspecting the kit, officials intervened and demanded the inscription be obscured.

“They saw my sentence and they said to me, ‘Sorry but it’s war propaganda’.”

Oleh Handei, speaking to Reuters

The Olympian confirmed he intends to comply with the directive to ensure his participation in the race.

Echoes of Heraskevych ejection

This incident comes in the wake of a significant controversy involving fellow Ukrainian Vladyslav Heraskevych.

The skeleton racer was removed from competition after wearing a “helmet of remembrance” depicting athletes killed since the Russian invasion.

Heraskevych slammed that decision as a victory for Russian propaganda, calling it a “terrible mistake” by the IOC.

Handei admitted he was initially hesitant to speak out but felt emboldened by his compatriot’s stance.

“It’s not propaganda, it’s not,” the speed skater insisted regarding their messages.

He argued that these gestures simply serve to remind the global community that Ukraine continues to exist as a nation seeking understanding.