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

Next to him stood the winner, the Ukrainian Illya Kovtun.

Since Kuliak 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.

Only now does Kuliak choose to comment on the incident.

The Russian tells Russia Today that he does not regret it.

- If I had the chance, I would have done the same thing again, says the 20-year-old.

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.

- I saw it (Z) on the tanks and checked what it meant.

It turned out to mean "for victory" and "peace".

I wanted to show my position.

As an athlete, I will always strive for victory and peace, he says.

The International Gymnastics Federation, FIG, is investigating the Russian.

"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," a statement said.

Cut: See when he steps up on the podium

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Russian third Ivan Kuliak with a war symbol on his chest.

Photo: Twitter