Russian Gymnast Wearing Symbol Supporting Ukraine Invasion

During the 2022 International Gymnastics Federation Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Parallel Bars Award Ceremony... The Z Mark Symbolizes 'Victory' in Russian

(Photo by Twitter)

[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Jinsoo Lee] Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak (20) sparked controversy on the 5th (local time) by standing on the podium alongside his Ukrainian rival athlete while wearing a uniform shirt with the letter 'Z' attached. The letter Z is a symbol representing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Kuliak, who was the 2019 Russian junior champion, won the bronze medal after being defeated by Ukrainian athlete Illia Kovtun in the parallel bars event at the 2022 International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Artistic Gymnastics World Cup held in Doha, Qatar from the 2nd to the 5th. The silver medal was awarded to Kazakhstani athlete Milad Karimi.

At the awards ceremony on the 5th, the athletes stood shoulder to shoulder on the podium. At this time, the Z symbol taped in the center of Kuliak's shirt was clearly visible.

(Photo by Twitter)

The letter Z symbolizes 'victory' in Russian. During Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Z symbol was painted on Russian military tanks and other vehicles. The Russian Ministry of Defense even issued a statement saying that Z signifies victory.

According to the British daily Daily Mail, Kuliak is known to have undergone military training last year.

FIG banned the use of the Russian flag in competitions and canceled all events scheduled to be held in Russia and Belarus. Instead of the Russian flag, Kuliak attached the Z symbol to his shirt and stood on the podium.

At the awards ceremony, many pro-Vladimir Putin politicians, activists, and influencers were also seen wearing clothes and badges with the letter Z. Russia Today, a TV channel funded by the Kremlin, is even selling merchandise featuring the Z symbol.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.