Oleksandra Oliynykova criticizes two Ukrainian tennis players for attending Kasatkina's wedding

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 19 Jul 2026 | 14.36

Oleksandra Oliynykova, criticisms of Ukrainian tennis players. Photo: gettyimages

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The tensions arising from the war between Russia and Ukraine have once again impacted the world of tennis. Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova has sparked a huge controversy after publicly criticizing her compatriots Yuliia Starodubtseva and Nadiia Kichenok for attending the wedding of Daria Kasatkina, one of the players who has been most vocal against the regime of Vladimir Putin and who has been competing under the Australian flag for some time after changing nationality.

The presence of the two Ukrainian tennis players at the celebration has sparked a heated debate on social media, where many fans have pointed out that Kasatkina has been denouncing the Russian invasion of Ukraine for years and has been one of the most outspoken Russian athletes against the Kremlin. This stance has allowed her to maintain a good relationship with several Ukrainian players despite the political context.

The message that sparked the controversy

Oliynykova posted a message directed at Starodubtseva and Kichenok questioning their presence at the wedding and appealing to the situation in their country. "Girls, seeing how joyfully you dance, I can see that you have a lot of energy. Why not use it to help raise funds for a vehicle destined for Ukrainian Marines? With your audience and resources, the $5,000 needed could be quickly obtained. Or is it because your Russian friends wouldn't understand?" she wrote.

Her words quickly divided opinions. While some users supported her stance, considering any connection with Russian athletes inappropriate in the midst of the war, others argued that Kasatkina represents a very different case since she has publicly condemned the invasion, criticized Putin on several occasions, and decided to renounce her Russian nationality to compete as an Australian.

The controversy once again highlights the great sensitivity that still exists around the conflict and how, even within Ukrainian tennis itself, there is no unanimous view on where to draw the line between personal convictions, friendships, and the political context.