US Figure Skater Reunites With Family From War-Torn Ukraine at Olympics

Vadym Kolesnik's family endured 4 years of war, but a GoFundMe campaign brought them together to watch him compete.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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American figure skater Vadym Kolesnik reunited with family members from war-torn Ukraine at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Kolesnik's family had endured 4 years of the ongoing conflict, with his brother enlisting in the Ukrainian army and his father's business being destroyed. Thanks to a successful GoFundMe campaign, Kolesnik's mother Snezhana and aunt Irina were able to travel to Italy to watch him compete.

Why it matters

Kolesnik's story highlights the personal toll the war in Ukraine has taken on families, as well as the power of community support to bring loved ones together during difficult times. His ability to compartmentalize the war and focus on his Olympic dream also speaks to the role sports can play in providing an escape and outlet for those impacted by global conflicts.

The details

Kolesnik came to the U.S. in 2016 to train with renowned coach Igor Shpilband, but initially faced difficulties securing a long-term visa. His mother Svitlana eventually joined him in the U.S. about 3 years ago, while his father Igor remained in Ukraine to care for his grandmother. Kolesnik's older brother also enlisted in the Ukrainian army following the 2022 Russian invasion. The GoFundMe campaign set up to bring Kolesnik's family to the Olympics easily surpassed its $25,000 goal, allowing his mother Snezhana and aunt Irina to make the trip to Milan.

  • Kolesnik qualified for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics with his ice dance partner Emilea Zingas in January 2026.
  • Kolesnik's family members were able to travel to Milan and watch him compete in the Olympics in February 2026.
  • Russia carried out a major attack involving drones and ballistic missiles on the day Kolesnik's family arrived in Milan.

The players

Vadym Kolesnik

An American figure skater who qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

Emilea Zingas

Kolesnik's ice dance partner.

Igor Kolesnik

Vadym Kolesnik's father, whose appliance and lighting business in Ukraine was destroyed by the war.

Igor Kolesnik

Vadym Kolesnik's brother, who enlisted in the Ukrainian army following the 2022 Russian invasion.

Snezhana Kolesnik

Vadym Kolesnik's mother, who was able to travel to the Olympics in Milan to watch him compete.

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What they’re saying

“It seems like it's been a lifetime.”

— Vadym Kolesnik (AP)

“I'm just so, so thankful. They wouldn't have been here without everyone's help.”

— Vadym Kolesnik (AP)

“We never expected that much.”

— Emilea Zingas, Kolesnik's ice dance partner (AP)

“To me, they're a terrorist country. They're killing Ukrainians every day. Until the war is over, they have no place.”

— Vadym Kolesnik (AP)

“You have to remember this war is really close to his heart. Every day he gets sent videos and messages about friends dying or getting injured. It's not an easy thing. For the last four years, every day, he's had some big weight put on him.”

— Emilea Zingas, Kolesnik's ice dance partner (AP)

What’s next

Kolesnik's mother Svitlana is hoping to secure a green card so she can stay in the U.S. indefinitely and be reunited with her son.

The takeaway

Kolesnik's story is a powerful example of how sports can provide an escape and outlet for those impacted by global conflicts, while also highlighting the importance of community support in bringing families together during difficult times.