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.
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