Heraskevych finished 17th after the third run of the event at the Yanqing National Sliding Centre and unfolded a piece of paper in a plastic punch-pocket with the message "No War in Ukraine", calling for peace in his home nation.

He finished the competition in 18th after his fourth run.

"It’s my position," said Heraskevych, according to Associated Press. 

"Like any normal people, I don't want war.

"I want peace in my country, and I want peace in the world. 

"It's my position, so I fight for that, I fight for peace."

His demonstration is notable as it could be viewed as a political statement, which is prohibited by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in its Olympic Charter under Rule 50.

Rule 50 states that "No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas".

The Olympic Charter also states "The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of humankind, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity".

However, the IOC said to insidethegames that there would be no further action.

"We have spoken with the athlete," said an IOC spokesperson.

"This was a general call for peace. 

"For the IOC the matter is closed."

It comes one week after IOC President Thomas Bach said to "give peace a chance" at the Beijing 2022 Opening Ceremony at the Beijing National Stadium.

He referred to the United Nations adopting the Olympic Truce Resolution, which was passed at its General Assembly in December.

"In our fragile world, where division, conflict and mistrust are on the rise, we show the world - yes, it is possible to be fierce rivals, while at the same time living peacefully and respectfully together," said Bach in his speech.

"This is the mission of the Olympic Games, bringing us together in peaceful competition, always building bridges, never erecting walls.

"Uniting humankind in all our diversity. 

"The resolution explicitly mentions you, the Olympic athletes, welcoming how you promote peace and human understanding through the Olympic ideal.

"In this Olympic spirit of peace, I appeal to all political authorities across the globe - observe your commitment to this Olympic Truce.

"Give peace a chance."

The Olympic Truce calls upon "all member states to cooperate with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee in their efforts to use sport as a tool to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation in areas of conflict during and beyond the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games".

Ukrainian-Russian tensions have risen again recently, with Ukraine accusing Russia of blocking its access to the sea.

Russia is preparing for naval exercises, following on from military drills with ally Belarus, which shares a large border with Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the Sea of Azov was completely blocked and the Black Sea was occupied by Russian forces.

Russia has also denied plans to invade Ukraine despite having more than 100,000 soldiers on its border.

Relations between the nations soured in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, which Russian President Vladimir Putin said was "to ensure proper conditions for the people of Crimea to be able to freely express their will".

Putin was present at the Beijing 2022 Opening Ceremony and met with ally, Chinese President Xi Jinping.

When Ukraine entered the Stadium as part of the Parade of Nations, Putin had his eyes closed when shown on camera, appearing to be asleep.