Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych's appeal to compete in the Milan Cortina Games was heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but the athlete acknowledged the decision comes too late for him to participate. Heraskevych was disqualified for planning to wear a helmet honoring Ukrainian athletes killed since Russia's 2022 invasion, which the IOC deemed a violation of Olympic Charter rules.

Speaking after the 2½-hour hearing in Milan, Heraskevych expressed confidence in a favorable ruling but confirmed he had already left the Olympic Village with no plans to return. He maintained that his tribute helmet was not political messaging but rather a memorial to fallen countrymen. IOC President Kirsty Coventry reiterated that the disqualification was justified, emphasizing the need to control athlete messaging on the field of play while respecting Heraskevych's convictions.

Heraskevych argued his treatment was inconsistent with other tributes at these Games, citing examples including a U.S. figure skater's photo tribute and an Israeli athlete's kippah memorial. The IOC maintained those cases did not violate rules. With Heraskevych already missing his first two competition runs, his appeal appears symbolic rather than practical, though he believes the IOC's stance feeds Russian propaganda.