Ukrainian tennis player Nadiia Kichenok published an official statement on Instagram, in which she apologized for her presence at the wedding of former Russian athlete Daria Kasatkina. The scandal erupted after a video appeared on social media showing Ukrainian tennis players dancing to a Russian-language track at the ceremony in Athens.
Admission and Context
Kichenok emphasized that she fully understands the responsibility for her action and comprehends the public reaction. However, she noted that she attended her friend's wedding, a friend who openly condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine, publicly expresses her position, and has changed her citizenship.
"I am truly sorry and ashamed. I want to sincerely apologize. This was the wedding of my friend Daria, who openly condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine, publicly expresses her position, and has changed her citizenship. It is important to me that this context is also known," wrote the Ukrainian athlete.
Civic Stance
Nadiia Kichenok reminded that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, she has systematically supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine and her country, and will not stop doing so in the future. The athlete is pained that one rash step could cast doubt on her long-standing civic position.
"I want to say: my position has not changed. Russia is an aggressor state, and Russian athletes have no place in world sports. Glory to Ukraine!" Kichenok emphasized.
Details of the Scandal
The scandal surrounding Ukrainian tennis players Nadiia Kichenok and Yulia Starodubtseva arose on July 15-16. The cause was that the Ukrainian athletes attended the wedding of tennis player Daria Kasatkina and her partner Natalia Zabiyako in Athens. The event gained publicity due to a video circulating on social media where the Ukrainian athletes were dancing to a Russian-language track.
Kasatkina changed her citizenship from Russian to Australian in 2025. She herself speaks out against the RF's aggression against Ukraine. However, the event was also attended by Russians Mirra Andreeva and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Mirra Andreeva is known for repeatedly liking anti-Ukrainian posts and congratulating Putin on social media. She also received an award from the hands of the Russian dictator for her silver medal at the Olympic Games. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova's father organized a tournament in the RF in honor of the deceased mercenaries of the so-called "Wagner PMC".
Earlier, it was reported that seven Ukrainian tennis players would play at the super-tournament in the USA.
