Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych received a $200,000 donation from businessman Rinat Akhmetov after being disqualified from the Milan Cortina Olympics. The 27-year-old was barred from competition for wearing a "helmet of memory" featuring images of over 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed in the war with Russia.

Akhmetov, owner of Shakhtar Donetsk soccer club and Azovstal steel works, made the donation through his charity foundation. The amount matches what Ukraine pays its Olympic gold medalists. "Vlad Heraskevych was denied the opportunity to compete for victory at the Olympic Games, yet he returns to Ukraine a true winner," Akhmetov stated, praising the athlete's advocacy for Ukraine.

The funds will support Heraskevych's charity foundation to ensure he and his coaching staff have resources to continue competing internationally while advocating for Ukraine. The donation comes as Ukraine continues to face challenges in international sports amid ongoing conflict, with Shakhtar Donetsk playing Champions League matches despite being exiled from their home stadium since 2014.