Ukrainian gymnasts wore headphones during Russia's anthem at European Championships in Varna

At the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Varna, Bulgaria, Ukrainian athletes Sofya Krinska and Varvara Chubanova wore headphones during the playing of the anthems of Russia and Belarus. The gesture was a silent expression of the athletes' attitude toward the aggressor countries.

At the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships taking place in the Bulgarian city of Varna, Ukrainian gymnasts Sofya Krinska and Varvara Chubanova demonstrated a quiet but eloquent protest. When the anthems of Russia and Belarus began to play, the athletes put on headphones and covered their faces with their hands, making it clear they did not intend to listen to the music of states they call aggressor countries.

The gesture by the Ukrainian gymnasts did not go unnoticed — video of the moment quickly spread across social media. Such symbolic actions at international competitions have become a sustained tradition among Ukrainian athletes since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Despite the fact that a number of international federations have allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete with neutral status, the Ukrainian side consistently speaks out against their participation and uses any public platform to remind the world community about the ongoing war.