Archive · 8 Dec 2025
Ukrainian Tennis Star Accuses Russians of Supporting War
A Ukrainian tennis player named Oleksandra Oliynykova said that two Russian tennis players, Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider, are secretly supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.
She said this because they received prizes from Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, who started the war.
Oliynykova's father is fighting in the war, and she won a tennis match recently and dedicated it to him.
Russian players can only play in tennis tournaments without representing their country, but Oliynykova thinks they are still supporting the war.
Many Russian players are still doing well in tennis, even with these restrictions.
Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova accused Russian stars Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider of supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.
Andreeva and Shnaider recently received prizes from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Oliynykova believes many Russian players secretly support the war while publicly claiming neutrality.
Russian players compete as neutral athletes due to restrictions since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Seven Russian women are currently in the WTA top 50, with three in the top 20, and three Russian men in the ATP top 20.
- Who
- Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova
- What
- Accused Russian stars Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider of supporting Russia's war in Ukraine
- When
- Recently, with prizes received from Vladimir Putin
- Where
- Ukraine and Russia, with the accusation made to an Argentine tennis outlet
- Why
- Oliynykova believes the Russian players are not truly neutral and support the war
- Accused Players
- Mirra Andreeva, Diana Shnaider
- Accuser
- Oleksandra Oliynykova
- Prizes Received
- From Vladimir Putin
- Oliynykova's Recent Win
- Challenger tournament in Colina, Chile
- Russian Players' Status
- Compete as neutral athletes
- Top Russian Women in WTA
- Seven in top 50, three in top 20
- Top Russian Men in ATP
- Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov