Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynikova has expressed her feelings about the “likes” of “neutral” tennis players on posts in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This was stated on the athlete's social networks.
On Tuesday, April 14, Russian TV presenter Victoria Bonya posted a video of an appeal to the president of the aggressor country, Vladimir Putin, on her Instagram account. As a result, this video collected more than a million likes. Among the people who liked the video were tennis players who perform under the “neutral” flag – the first racket of the world Arina Sabalienko, Polina Kudermetova, Anastasia Hasanova, Irina Khromacheva, Sofia Lancere and others.
Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova reacted to this situation by publishing an emotional appeal to the WTA, criticizing all tennis players who liked the video. In particular, Oliynykova stated that the organization is trying to “intimidate” her because the Ukrainian is telling the “truth.”
Message from Alexandra Oliynykova to the WTA
“It's a fact: There is a video of Victoria Boni addressed to Vladimir Putin. It's also a fact: Arina Sabalienko, Polina Kudermetova, Anastasia Hasanova, Irina Khromacheva, Sofia Lancere and a number of other tennis players liked this video. Anyone can check this.”
“In this video, Victoria Bonya says: “Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin), we support you. You are a very strong politician.” Let's be clear about who we are talking about. Putin is a dictator and a wanted war criminal for whom an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court. He started an aggressive war against Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost. Cities have been destroyed. Destinies have been broken.”
“She supports him. They like it. She also talks about the men who went to the “SVO” – that's what Russia calls this war – and claims that the state should help them and their families. These are people who voluntarily went to Ukraine to kill – and this is accompanied by documented crimes: murders, torture, rape, child abduction.”
“She sympathizes with them. They like it. Support for the regime. Support for those who, on the orders of this regime, invaded Ukraine – to kill, rob and rape. Sabalienko, Kudermetova, Hasanov, Khromachev, Lancere and others liked it.”
“This is how war becomes 'acceptable'. Not only with the help of weapons. But also through silence. Through approval. Through likes. This is how famous people send a signal to millions: you can go to another country, kill innocent people – and still be accepted back. You will still remain 'yours'.”
“Your favorite athletes will support you. They will tell you, 'Putin is the right leader to follow.' And that's why I live under rocket fire. That's why I train to the sound of air raid sirens. That's why I don't see my loved ones for months while they protect me and my country. That's why I can die at night – in my own home, in my own bed. Because someone decided it was possible. Because someone showed it was acceptable. Because the people I admire continue to confirm it.”
“WTA, I will not remain silent about this any longer. When I state the facts and tell the truth, I am not breaking the rules. You can stop trying to intimidate me – I am not afraid of you,” wrote Oleksandra Oliynikova.