Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak criticized for 'shocking behavior' after wearing 'Z' symbol next to Ukrainian athlete

By Ben Church, CNN

Updated 1533 GMT (2333 HKT) March 7, 2022

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak stands on the podium.

(CNN)The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has criticized the «shocking behavior» of Russian athlete Ivan Kuliak at a gymnastics World Cup event in Doha, Qatar.

The FIG did not give details about the behavior they condemned, but the statement came after the20-year-old ​gymnast wore a 'Z' symbol taped to his leotard while standing next to Ukrainian athlete ​Illia Kovtun on the podium — Kovtun won gold and Kuliak picked up bronze in the parallel bars on Saturday.The organization that oversees Russian gymnasts acknowledged in a statement that Kuliak's display violated FIG rules, but expressed the organization's support for his actions.'How fast could you sell this?' Russian elites scramble to move, sell assets to get ahead of international crackdownThe 'Z' insignia has been displayed on tanks and vehicles used by the Russian military in its Ukraine operations and has since become a symbol of support for the invasion of Ukraine.Propaganda videos on social media appear to show supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin ​wearing clothing featuring the 'Z' symbol, waving Russian flags and chanting pro-Russia slogans.​Read More«The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Ivan Kuliak following his shocking behavior at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha, Qatar,» a ​Sunday statement from the gymnastics governing body read.​On Monday, Head of the Artistic Gymnastics Federation of Russia (FSGR) Vasily Titov told Russian publication MK that Kuliak has the governing body's full support. FSGR quoted the article on its