Russian volunteer leads Ukraine at Winter Olympics opening ceremony

February 18, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

When Ukraine’s athletes entered the arena at the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo on February 6, few viewers realized that the woman carrying their country’s name sign was originally from Russia.

According to Ukrainian outlet Obozrevatel, the volunteer was Anastazja Kuczerowa, a Russian born architect who has lived in Milan for several years. Volunteers were responsible for guiding national teams during the ceremony, and she reportedly asked organizers if she could accompany the Ukrainian delegation.

Her presence alongside the athletes quickly became a topic of discussion online, given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the broader political tensions that have shaped international sport in recent years.

In comments to the Associated Press, Kuczerowa explained her reasoning. “When you walk beside those people, you understand that they have every right to feel hatred toward every Russian. Even so, I believe it is important to take even a small step to show them that perhaps not everyone thinks the same way,” she said.

A gesture under global scrutiny

Kuczerowa said the Ukrainian athletes noticed her Russian accent and began speaking to her in Russian. She described the exchange as evidence of what she called a “deep bond between the nations.”

In a post published on Instagram after the ceremony, she wrote that she felt proud to have accompanied the team during such a significant moment.

“I admire the strength, dignity, kindness and determination of every athlete who came to the Olympics, but Ukrainian athletes are the true embodiment of the Olympic spirit, warriors of light. I turned to that wonderful team and said: in a moment you will see that the entire stadium will applaud you,” she wrote.

Her remarks circulated widely on social media, where reactions ranged from praise for a symbolic gesture of reconciliation to criticism from those who view any Russian presence alongside Ukraine as deeply sensitive.

Symbolism amid political tensions

The opening ceremony took place simultaneously in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with the Olympic flame lit in both cities. A total of 92 national delegations are competing at the Games.

Athletes from Russia and Belarus are participating under a neutral flag in accordance with International Olympic Committee guidelines. They did not take part in the opening ceremony.

The episode involving Kuczerowa unfolded against this complex political backdrop, illustrating how even ceremonial roles at major sporting events can carry significant symbolic weight.

Sources: Obozrevatel