Rinat Akhmetov announced the donation of UAH 10 million in support of Vlad Heraskevych
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
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The athlete and his coaching staff will receive an amount equivalent to the prize money for an Olympic gold medal from the president of FC Shakhtar
On February 17, FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov announced the transfer of UAH 10 million to support Ukrainian skeleton racer Vlad Heraskevych in his fight for the right to remember and protect Ukraine's interests on the international stage. The agreement was reached during a meeting between representatives of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and the Ukrainian Olympian. The funds will be transferred to the account of the Heraskevych Charity Foundation.
“Vlad Heraskevych was denied the opportunity to compete for victory at the Olympic Games, yet he returns to Ukraine a true winner. The respect and pride he has earned among Ukrainians through his actions are the highest reward.
At the same time, I want him to have enough energy and resources to continue his sporting career, as well as to fight for truth, freedom and the remembrance of those who gave their lives for Ukraine,” said Rinat Akhmetov.
It should be recalled that the International Olympic Committee disqualified skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych for intending to compete at the 2026 Olympic Games wearing a helmet depicting Ukrainian athletes who were killed as a result of the RF’s military aggression. The case attracted widespread attention and became one of the most discussed events of the Olympic Games. Athletes, politicians and people from around the world expressed their support and solidarity with Vlad Heraskevych.
“Vlad Heraskevych was denied the opportunity to compete for victory at the Olympic Games, yet he returns to Ukraine a true winner. The respect and pride he has earned among Ukrainians through his actions are the highest reward.
At the same time, I want him to have enough energy and resources to continue his sporting career, as well as to fight for truth, freedom and the remembrance of those who gave their lives for Ukraine,” said Rinat Akhmetov.
It should be recalled that the International Olympic Committee disqualified skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych for intending to compete at the 2026 Olympic Games wearing a helmet depicting Ukrainian athletes who were killed as a result of the RF’s military aggression. The case attracted widespread attention and became one of the most discussed events of the Olympic Games. Athletes, politicians and people from around the world expressed their support and solidarity with Vlad Heraskevych.