Sofia, Bulgaria — April 3, 2026

A Russian rhythmic gymnast has drawn protests from Ukraine’s team after refusing to face the Ukrainian flag during a medal ceremony at the World Cup in Sofia, Bulgaria. Russian silver medalist Sofia Ilterjakowa turned away from the Ukrainian flag while Taisija Onofrijtschuk received gold in the hoop exercise on Thursday. The Ukrainian team has filed a formal complaint with the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG), demanding Ilterjakowa be stripped of her medal and neutral status. Ilterjakowa’s coach, Tatjana Sergajewa, defended the athlete’s actions, stating, "She was nervous and may not have known all the details of the medal ceremony." The Ukrainian delegation rejected this explanation, calling the behavior a deliberate provocation. The incident marks the latest tension between Russian and Ukrainian athletes since the 2022 invasion. FIG has not yet issued a ruling on the protest. Russian athletes currently compete under neutral status without national symbols due to ongoing international sanctions.