Ukraine star condemns ‘propaganda victory’ as sports soften on Russia

File Image: Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova at the Hong Kong Open, where she spoke out about the war and Russia’s return to international sport. | Photo Credit: AP

Speaking to AFP on Tuesday at the Hong Kong Open, Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova said that welcoming Russia back into international sport is a “propaganda victory” for Moscow and rewards “a country which is killing people every day”.

The 25-year-old, who is based in Kyiv, also urged US President Donald Trump to provide the interceptor missiles Ukraine needs. Her comments came only hours after Russia again hit Ukraine with deadly overnight strikes.

The war is deeply personal for Oliynykova, who reached a career-high ranking of 41 in September. Her father and boyfriend both serve in the armed forces.

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“When I come home I live under attacks, I see destroyed buildings,” she said, her voice close to breaking.

“You wake up and you hear this sound, the apartment is shaking,” she said after losing her opening match in Hong Kong.

Despite the continuing war, sport appears to be easing its stance on Russian athletes. In July, the International Olympic Committee created a route for Russians to compete in qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“This is horrible because these people are part of Russian propaganda,” Oliynykova said.

“It’s a victory for Russian propaganda, like, you accepted the people, the symbols of the country which is killing people every day.”

Asked what she would say to Trump, who once promised to end the war in 24 hours, she repeated her government’s appeal for Patriot missiles.

“We need Patriots to defend our cities, to get air defence and to save lives,” she said.

“There are more attacks than ever before, so many civilians are dying.”