A Russian gymnastics gold-medalist posed with the pro-war 'Z' symbol at Putin's Victory Day Parade

• Olympic gymnast Angelina Melnikova was seen holding the pro-war "Z" symbol at Russia's Victory Day Parade.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin used Monday's festivities to justify his country's invasion of Ukraine.

A highly accomplished Russian Olympian was spotted posing with the pro-war "Z" symbol at Monday's Victory Day Parade.

Angelina Melnikova — the gymnast who won team gold at the Tokyo Olympics before earning individual bronze medals in the all-around and floor exercise — attended the festivities in Moscow, which annually commemorates Russia's victory over the Nazis in World War II. This year, the celebrations doubled as a pro-war rally and a chance for President Vladimir Putin to justify his country's invasion of Ukraine.

The 21-year-old posed alongside Russian military veterans and looked upon the Red Square processions, according to photos and videos she posted on her Instagram story. In one such post, Melnikova can be seen holding a red paper with a gold "Z" — which has become synonymous with Russia's invasion of Ukraine — while standing next to an older man in his military uniform.

The star gymnast is far from the first Russian athlete seen publicly supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine since the war began. Svetlana Khorkina, who won seven Olympic medals between 1996 and 2004, has also shared various photos including the "Z" symbol to her Instagram, including one with the caption: "A campaign for those who are not ashamed to be Russian."

And after winning bronze on the parallel bars at the 2022 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Qatar, fellow gymnast Ivan Kuliak wore a "Z" on his chest while standing on the podium next to a Ukrainian rival. The International Gymnastics Federation subsequently opened an investigation into Kuliak's "shocking behavior," but the 20-year-old blamed his Ukrainian opponents for the move and said he'd do it again if he had the chance.

Russian athletes have already faced repercussions for their government's actions. Governing bodies and top competitions across the sports world have banned Russian and Belarusian hopefuls from participating in major events, including Wimbledon, the Olympics, the World Cup, the Boston Marathon, and more.

Whether stars like Melnikova will encounter further backlash for their support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine remains to be seen.