World fencing champion Vlada Kharkova refused to take a joint photo with Russian athlete Kirill Borodachov, who became the silver medalist in men's foil.

This was reported by the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian showed her strength not only in combat but also in principles. Vlada declined to take a photo with the medalists from the first day of competition, which included a representative from the aggressor country.

She returned to the podium to capture a historic moment only after the "neutral athlete" had left the victory stand.