When the world in recent weeks condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian athletes have been barred from competing in international competitions as part of the sanctions.

But when the World Cup in artistic gymnastics was decided last weekend in Doha, the Russian Ivan Kuliak, 20, was one of the competitors.

Since he is not allowed to compete under the Russian flag, the 20-year-old chose instead to tape a "Z" to his chest.

Which means he's supporting the invasion.

This Z has become a symbol of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the letter Z can be found among other Russian tanks sent into Ukraine.

The letter itself is an abbreviation of "za pobedu", which in Swedish means for victory.

Kuliak finished third in the competition and when he stepped up on the podium, among others, the Ukrainian winner Illya Kovtun stood close to him.

The International Gymnastics Federation, FIG, is now investigating Kuliak.

"We confirm that we will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to initiate disciplinary proceedings against male gymnast Ivan Kuliak following his shocking behavior at the World Cup in Doha, Qatar," the statement said.