The 27-year-old, who carried Ukraine’s flag at the Opening Ceremony, had his accreditation revoked less than 30 minutes before the men’s skeleton competition was scheduled to begin.

Throughout training sessions this week, the defiant athlete wore the “helmet of memory” featuring images of Ukrainians who have lost their lives since the Russian invasion began in 2022.

The exit has sparked a interntional row, with even President Zelensky telling the athlete “courage is worth more than any medal”.

The 272-word statement on social media from the leader is the latest in a significant backlash against Olympic bosses.

It read: “Sport shouldn’t mean amnesia, and the Olympic movement should help stop wars, not play into the hands of aggressors. Unfortunately, the decision of the International Olympic Committee to disqualify Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych says otherwise.

“This is certainly not about the principles of Olympism, which are founded on fairness and the support of peace. I thank our athlete for his clear stance. His helmet, bearing the portraits of fallen Ukrainian athletes, is about honour and remembrance. It is a reminder to the whole world of what Russian aggression is and the cost of fighting for independence. And in this, no rule has been broken.”

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Turning to Russia, he added: “It is Russia that constantly violates Olympic principles, using the period of the Olympic Games to wage war.

‘”In 2008, it was the war against Georgia; in 2014 – the occupation of Crimea; in 2022 – the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And now, in 2026, despite repeated calls for a ceasefire during the Winter Olympics, Russia shows complete disregard, increasing missile and drone strikes on our energy infrastructure and our people.

“660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed by Russia since the full-scale invasion began. Hundreds of our athletes will never again be able to take part in the Olympic Games or any other international competitions.

“And yet, 13 Russians are currently in Italy competing at the Olympics.”

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Zelensky added: “They compete under ‘neutral’ flags at the Games, while in real life publicly supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine and the occupation of our territories. And they are the ones who deserve disqualification.

“We are proud of Vladyslav and of what he did. Having courage is worth more than any medal.”

The International Olympic Committee had implored him to comply with regulations prohibiting political statements within the field of play, suggesting he could pay tribute to fallen countrymen before and after competing instead.

Officials offered what they considered a reasonable alternative, permitting the Ukrainian to don a black armband as a means of commemoration during the actual event.

This compromise emerged from intensive showdown discussions held with Heraskevych and his team in Cortina.

The IOC confirmed that “multiple exchanges and in-person meetings” took place between the athlete and Olympics President Kirsty Coventry, with their final conversation occurring on Thursday morning itself.

Despite extensive efforts to find common ground, the governing body announced just before the first run that the Ukrainian would not participate.

The IOC maintained throughout the negotiations that they were “very keen for Mr Heraskevych to compete” and had exhausted diplomatic avenues before reaching their final decision on his Olympic participation.

The governing body stated they had “decided with regret to withdraw his accreditation for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games” following the breakdown in negotiations.