Ukrainian tennis player criticized the country’s decision on tournaments with the Russians

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina criticized the decision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine to participate in tournaments with the Russians. Her words lead “Patriots of Ukraine”.

The athlete said she did not understand the proposed boycott. “We’re just shooting ourselves in the foot. I feel sad for our athletes who have devoted their entire lives to sports. They leave no choice to athletes, ”she said. Svitolina stressed that many federations are returning Russians and Belarusians, which means that Ukrainians will not be able to represent their country.

On April 14, the Ministry of Sports of Ukraine banned Ukrainian athletes from participating in competitions with Russians and Belarusians. In response, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said that the Ukrainian government does not have the right to decide which athletes can participate in international competitions.

Svitolina has 16 titles in tournaments of the Women’s Tennis Association. She is also a bronze medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.