Ivan Kuliak: Last News

Marta Balaga The Ukrainian Institute has issued an official letter to the Cannes Film Festival and French director Michel Hazanavicius asking them to rename his opening night movie “Z,” which the org claims is a pro-war symbol of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.In Russia, “Z” is considered a pro-war symbol that has also been used in pro-Russian demonstrations across Europe. The symbol has recently been adopted by some Russian figures taking part in world events, such as gymnast Ivan Kuliak who, while in Qatar for a World Cup event, sported a “Z” on his chest while standing on a podium next to Ukrainian athlete Illia Kovtun.

Daily Mail, the teenager could have been performing the fascist Roman salute of Italy as he was competing under their flag. The far-right gesture has been illegal to perform in public there since 1952.However, many have taken it as a vulgar dig in relation to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

stood on the podium smirking during the medal ceremony, with the symbol clearly attached to his chest.The 'Z' has recently morphed into a symbol of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and pro-Putin politicians and influencers have been spotted wearing it on their clothes - and pro-invasion demonstrators have been waving flags bearing the letter.It stands for 'Za pobedy', which means 'For the victory', and has also been plastered all over Russian tanks.The International Gymnastics Federation [FIG] announced on Monday they would be holding a full investigation into the "shocking behaviour" and the Russian is now set to be issued a long-term ban.The International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak following his shocking behaviour at the Apparatus World Cup," read a statement.However, Kuliak initially responded by insisting he had no regrets over his stance, saying "If there was a second chance and I had a choice whether to go out with the letter ‘Z’ on my chest or not, I would do the same."I saw it on our military and looked at what this symbol means. It turned out to be 'for victory' and 'for peace'."I just wanted to show my position.

The letter 'Z' has been seen daubed on the side of Russian tanks as Vladimir Putin's troops launched their invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.