Andreeva, Shnaider accused of ‘supporting’ Russia’s war in Ukraine by WTA star: 'Received prizes from Putin'

Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova has made strong accusations against Russian WTA stars Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider. She claimed that many Russian players secretly support Russia’s war in Ukraine while publicly saying they are neutral. She mentioned how Andreeva and Shnaider recently received prizes from the Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is believed to be the main aggressor in the ongoing conflict.

“Neutrality should be put to the test. Many support the war. For some, not representing their country is enough, but it isn’t. Even without a flag, they can play without limits. Andreeva and Shnaider received prizes from Putin,” Oliynykova, whose father is fighting in the war, told Argentine tennis outlet Saque y Red.

“We need to talk more about this. It’s a big problem because they have worldwide recognition while simultaneously supporting the Russian government. We Ukrainians dream of peace, but it doesn’t depend on us. We are only defending our country, and the Russians are the only ones who don’t want peace,” she added.

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Oliynykova recently won a Challenger tournament in Colina, Chile and dedicated her victory to her father. “I dedicate this achievement to my father, the best father in the world who always believed in me and now stands to protect our country. Dad, I am proud of you and I am trying my best to make your dreams come true. Thank you for protecting me and all of us!” she wrote on Instagram.

Russian players remain strong despite restrictions

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, players from Russia and Belarus, which is their ally, have been allowed to compete only as neutral athletes on the ATP and WTA Tours. They also cannot represent their countries in team events like the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, and took part in the 2024 Paris Olympics as neutral athletes. During this period, several Russian players have changed their nationality to avoid any association with the war.

On the other hand, many Russian players are among the top performers across men’s and women’s tennis. Seven Russian women are currently inside the WTA top 50, including three in the top 20 - Mirra Andreeva, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and Liudmila Samsonova. Andreeva is the highest-ranked Russian in the world. On the ATP Tour, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov are all in the top 20.