The image caused outrage in the sports world. Russian gymnast Ivan Kulyak came under fire this weekend for appearing on stage with a war symbol on his shirt. And that precisely next to a Ukrainian colleague. A few days after the facts, Kulyak shows no remorse: “It was a response to the behavior of the Ukrainians.”
One letter was enough to be spit out. Russian Ivan Kulyak appeared on stage this weekend wearing a “Z” on his outfit – a war symbol used by the Russians during the invasion of Ukraine.
The FIG spoke about “shocking behavior” afterwards and opened an investigation. But that in no way caused any regrets for Koeljak. He gave his version of the facts via chat app Telegram on Tuesday morning – and he actually put the blame on the Ukrainians.
“They started this political movement,” says Koeljak. “The logo on my shirt was a response to their behavior. The Ukrainians were wrapped in their flag and shouted ‘Glory to Ukraine’ on the podium.”
“That is not allowed, but nobody told them that. The Ukrainians also demanded that Russians be excluded from the competition. However, we have not said or done anything to them.”
The Z symbol stands for “victory” and “peace”. The Ukrainians just treated us badly.
Koeljak, who appears to be watching the news with blinders, emphasized once again that there was nothing wrong with his act.
“We were simply told not to show our flag. I did that. I just wanted to show where I come from. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“I have never been afraid of the consequences of my action. The Z symbol stands for ‘victory’ and ‘peace’. The Ukrainians just treated us badly. You had to see it to believe it.”
