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War in Ukraine: on the podium with a Ukrainian, a Russian gymnast displays the symbol "Z" in support of Putin

2022-03-06T10:38:19.666Z


On the third step of the podium during a round of the Gymnastics World Cup, the Russian Ivan Kuliak supported the


This image is likely to make people talk.

In the midst of the Ukrainian conflict, the Russian Ivan Kuliak expressed his approval of the policy pursued by Vladimir Putin.

Bronze medalist in the parallel bars event won by Ukrainian Kovtun Illia at the Gymnastics World Cup in Doha, the 20-year-old athlete who was competing under a neutral banner climbed the podium proudly displaying a " Z" on his jersey instead of his Federation's logo.

This military symbol, mainly inscribed on tanks and combat vehicles, allows Russian troops to recognize themselves on Ukrainian soil.

A few days ago, the Russian Foreign Minister also explained that this sign means "victory".

Russian Ivan Kuliak wore the letter Z on his chest during the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha.


The Z is reportedly a symbol of support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

(Kuliak won bronze in parallel bars. Ukraine's Kovtun Illia won gold.)https://t.co/iZ1Kb5RIUq pic.twitter.com/Qi6wGHMGHO

— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) March 5, 2022

Many Russian athletes display the “Z” symbol

Ivan Kuliak could be sanctioned by the International Gymnastics Federation for displaying a political sign during an international competition.

World champion among juniors, the gymnast completed his military service last year.

But the young 20-year-old athlete is not the only one to have supported Vladimir Putin's troops.

On her Instagram account, multiple Olympic champion Svetlana Khorkina, now married to an army colonel 23 years her senior, also showed her support for the Russian army.

“A campaign for all those who are not ashamed to be Russians!

Let's spread it," she wrote, displaying the "Z" symbol.

The gymnast, a former Duma deputy from 2007 to 2011, is now a lieutenant colonel in the army.

The Olympic team champion in Tokyo, Ivan Stretovich also posted a Z in his story on Instagram.

“You will excuse me, of course, but let the Russians not shout that sport is apolitical”, attacked the Ukrainian gymnast, Oleg Verniaiev.

Source: leparis

All sports articles on 2022-03-06

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