Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak wears 'Z' war symbol on medal podium next to Ukrainian athlete Illia Kov

[LiberalArkie]

A RUSSIAN gymnast caused outrage after wearing a pro-war 'Z' symbol while sharing a podium with a Ukrainian athlete at an event in Doha.

Ukraine's Illia Kovtun claimed victory in the parallel bars at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Qatar yesterday.



Kazakhstan's Milad Karimi secured the silver medal, with Russia's Ivan Kuliak taking bronze.

But when Kuliak stepped onto the podium it became apparent he was sporting the 'Z' symbol on his kit.

Snip

https://www.the-sun.com/sport/4833729/russia-gymnast-z-war-symbol-ukraine/

[AlexSFCA]

1. what is Z?

[Raster]

2. Denotes Support for Russia's war with Ukraine.

[AlexSFCA]

5. this is horrifying, didn't know that

so here you have it - russian athletes should be barred for now regardless of flags they use

[Cha]

33. JHC.. I was afraid of that. Also

denotes support for an Illegal war and killing innocent people for Lust of Power.

💙💛

[NickB79]

16. The Russians painted Z's on their tanks before the invasion

To prevent friendly fire incidents

[LiberalArkie]

26. Z is who they hunt for - Zelensky

[Demovictory9]

28. white 'z' is painted on Russia vehicles in Ukraine

[LiberalArkie]

6. Yes they are..

Putin is probably dying and wants to take everything down.

[Sneederbunk]

8. For some reason DU repeats stuff like this.

[Poiuyt]

35. Reporting it does not imply endorsement

I like to know what's going on even if it isn't pleasant.

[luv2fly]

12. Agreed

But why stop with this 20-year-old Russian gymnast? Why do we give emptyG coverage? Or the Boebert hag? Or the orange turd for that matter?

None of them are worth our time, yet here we are.

[dem4decades]

13. No. We all care, tell that little fuck to stay home nest time. And the rest of the Russians too.

[dem4decades]

31. Do you have a coat that says that on the back? "I don't care", Sounds wonderful

[Aristus]

4. Smirking little douchebag.

I suppose if Illia Kov was Israeli, Kuliak would have worn a swastika?

[luv2fly]

7. I'm not sure we should assume he had a choice

He's watching out for himself like everyone else.

[Nittersing]

23. That was my thought as well. nt

[luv2fly]

30. Seems we are the only ones n/t

[okaawhatever]

9. Why we can't have nice things. What a douche. Ha ha Ukraine got gold, Russia bronze NT

[SheltieLover]

10. Why are Russian athletes there competing?

[2naSalit]

19. That's what I want to know.

[SheltieLover]

22. Same here!

[Princess Turandot]

20. Timing. Gymnasts from RU and Belarus were just banned from competition: the vote was Friday past..

The effective date is tomorrow.

This particular competition ended on Saturday.

[SheltieLover]

25. Shame they haven't heard the term "effective immediatelt!"

Ty for clarification.

[lapfog_1]

11. well, if he supports the war so much

I'm sure the enlistment lines for joining the military are open.

I am so disappointed in my russian friends that openly spout the Putin propaganda to me in texts and emails. I have simply quit responding to them and may lose some friends. That is nothing compared to what is happening in Ukraine.

But it does demonstrate the level of brain washing happening... and some of these russian friends have lived in the USA and western europe for years.

[Crunchy Frog]

17. I guess Russia has at least as many maggot types as the US.

I feel bad for everyone losing friends and family to the disease of authoritarianism.

[maxsolomon]

14. Propaganda victim

Likely has no idea what the facts are. See: that Russian POW's press conference; he says as much.

[crickets]

34. +1

[BlueJac]

15. He should of finished the word with ero!

[uponit7771]

18. Imagine a nation where 90% of the people are MAGA minded

[bluestarone]

21. BRAIN DEAD from the shoulders up

That's what i see!!

[dalton99a]

24. Sick fuck.

[WarGamer]

29. "Zorro"... cool.

[Mysterian]

32. Fucking loser

Just like your insane dear leader Rooty Poot.