Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak has been suspended by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for ostentatiously expressing support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the FIG Ethical Foundation has announced. During an Artistic Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha in early March, at the start of the armed conflict in Ukraine, Ivan Kuliak, 3rd in the parallel bars event, stood on the podium alongside Ukrainian winner Illia Kovtun with a jersey bearing the letter “Z” in place of the flag of his country. The letter “Z”, featured on some of the Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine, has become a symbol of support for the invasion. ” Mr. Kuliak is not allowed to participate in any competition organized under the aegis of the FIG or one of its affiliated members for one year from the date of the decision “said the ethical foundation in a press release published on Tuesday, May 17.
Russian gymnast suspended for supporting Ukraine invasion
