Under fire after displaying a sign of support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine during the Gymnastics World Cup on Sunday in Doha, athlete Ivan Kuliak (20) wanted to defend himself on the network Telegram social.

According to him, the "Z" engraved on his shirt instead of his country's flag had no connection with the context of the war led by Vladimir Putin and his henchmen.

“We were told to cover our flag, which I did.

They [the International Gymnastics Federation] had already banned everything possible.

I just wanted to show where I am from, that's all, he said.

I have never been afraid of the consequences and I mean no harm to anyone.

This sign Z means ''for victory'' (za pobiedy), ''for peace''.

»

The “Z”, a Kremlin propaganda tool

An explanation that hardly holds water, assuming that this famous "Z" has become since the beginning of the Russian invasion a sign of support for the war waged by the Kremlin in Ukraine.

This letter, which designates the units engaged in eastern Ukraine, has even become the spearhead of Russian propaganda.

While Moscow buses display this letter (tinkered with tape) in large on their windows, the Russia Today channel, financed by the Kremlin, has squarely marketed a series of T-shirts stamped with the “Z”.

According to an article by France Inter, RT claims that the profits from these sales will be donated to "refugees from Donbass" or "heroes" of the Russian army.

The FIG excludes Russian athletes from its competitions

The young gymnast also claimed that the Ukrainian athletes present in Doha had "treated him and his compatriots badly".

"You had to see it to believe it," he added before detailing the reasons for his anger.

“They started this whole political movement.

It was in response to this behavior that I just showed up with this patch on my sokol.

They were wrapped in their flag, shouting “Glory to Ukraine” on the podium.

According to the rules of the competition, it's not allowed, but no one told them.

They also demanded that we be expelled when we had said or done nothing against anyone.

»

Finally, after having dithered for a while on what to do - and in reaction to what Kuliak did - the International Gymnastics Federation ended up excluding Russian and Belarusian athletes, coaches, judges and officials from its competitions, and this until further notice.

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War in Ukraine: A Russian gymnast soon to be sanctioned for showing his support for Putin

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  • Gymnastic

  • Sport

  • War in Ukraine

  • Russia

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