Gymnast Ivan Kuliak defends wearing 'Z' symbol in support of Russian invaders on podium after event

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Gymnast Ivan Kuliak defended the decision to wear a "Z" on his chest at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha, Qatar, in apparent support of Russia’s military as it invades Ukraine.

Kuliak told Russia Today, the state-run media operation also known as RT, he would wear the symbol again if given the chance.

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Service members of pro-Russian troops in uniforms without insignia drive an armored vehicle with the symbol "Z" painted on its side in the separatist-controlled village of Bugas during the Ukraine-Russia conflict in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, March 6, 2022.  (REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko)

"I saw it with our military and looked at what this symbol means. It turned out [it means], 'for victory' and 'for peace,’" Kuliak claimed. "I didn't wish anything bad on anyone, I just showed [what] my position [was]. As an athlete, I will always fight for victory and stand for peace. Only [for that] and everything."

While Kuliak brushed off the "Z" symbol like it was no big deal, the pained white "Z" first appeared on tanks and other military vehicles as Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February. The symbol has been said to identify the vehicles as friendlies for Russian forces.

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Kuliak couldn’t propel his way out of criticism over his "position."

The 20-year-old from Kaluga, Russia, finished in third place in the parallel bars at the event and joined Ukrainian Illia Kovtun and Kazakh Milad Karimi on the podium. The white "Z" appeared on his gymnastics uniform in the center of his chest.

A protester holds a "Z" sign banner, in reference to Russian