Sergey Bubka cannot hold the title of Hero of Ukraine, as he plays along with Russia and allows the flags of the occupying country in the organizations he leads.
This was stated in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine by skeleton athlete Vladislav Geraskevich, who was banned from competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics by the decision of the International Olympic Committee for wearing a "memory helmet" with photographs of deceased Ukrainian athletes. He was in the session hall together with his father, who is his coach. As reported by a UNIAN correspondent, the hall welcomed him with applause, and he thanked them for their support.
"We have several representatives from Ukraine in the IOC. Right now I am talking about Mr. Bubka, who still holds the title of Hero of Ukraine. And I am actually ashamed that he holds this title. He should not hold it. This person systematically destroys Ukraine, he trades with the occupiers, he allows Russian flags in the organizations he leads. This person is actually playing along with Russia. And when he bears the title of Hero of Ukraine, which is often awarded posthumously, it is unacceptable," he emphasized.
Geraskevich called for Bubka to be stripped of the title of Hero of Ukraine by imposing sanctions on him.
He noted that it is important to unite around Ukraine, regardless of political affiliation. "But when the scandal began, when the memory of our fallen Ukrainians, our heroes, was being infringed upon, we were united, and when we are united, the world is much more willing to unite around us," Geraskevich said.
According to him, if Ukrainians are united, they will win in competitions, in courts, and on the battlefield. Geraskevich also "teased" the deputies who do not always come to work in the parliamentary session hall.
"I often see that there are many empty seats here. I am here for the first time, but I understood that I have already outperformed some of your colleagues in terms of attendance at plenary sessions," the hall greeted Geraskevich's words with laughter and applause.
