Olympic sabre fencing champion Olha Kharlan thanked all Ukrainian defenders, in particular, the SSU staff and the SSU National Academy, who inspire her to fight on the sports arena.

Olha Kharlan said this during a meeting with the cadets of the Academy, where she has been working for a long time.

‘We cannot shake hands with our enemy. We have to show the whole world that the war is on, and these ‘neutral’ athletes should not be on the international arena. And we will do everything to ensure that they are not competing at the Olympics or any other world competitions. I am proud to be an employee of the Security Service of Ukraine, in particular the SSU National Academy. I am proud that russians know that I work for the SSU. Let them be afraid!’ the champion said.

In response, the SSU National Academy Rector Andrii Cherniak presented to Olha the highest award of the institution - the Badge of Honour.

‘Olha Kharlan has demonstrated the main Ukrainian message on the world sports arena: no handshakes with russians - only weapons! And only Victory! This is a decent and strong act of a representative of the SSU, for which, Ms Olha, the entire Ukraine is grateful!’ Andrii Cherniak remarked.

In addition to the Academy’s cadets and colleagues, Olha was congratulated on her courageous act by the servicemen of the 114th separate territorial defence brigade of Kyiv region.

On July 27, Olga Kharlan defeated a fencer from russia under neutral status at the start of the individual tournament at the World Fencing Championships. Kharlan refused to shake hands with her opponent after the fight, holding her sabre out in front of her.