Ukrainian tennis player Yulia Starodubtseva published a lengthy statement on Instagram clarifying the circumstances of her attendance at the wedding of former Russian athlete Daria Kasatkina. The reason for this open conversation was a wave of criticism directed at the Ukrainian player, which arose because Russian tennis players supporting the Kremlin's policies were also spotted among the guests at the celebration.
Starodubtseva noted that she usually tries not to expose her personal life to the public, but the public reaction forced her to explain that she had remained silent for the safety of her loved ones. In her post, the athlete described the severe consequences of the war for her family.
The Price of War: Destroyed Homes and Family Tragedy
The tennis player revealed that her ancestral home is currently under temporary occupation, and she has no way to return there. Her own residence has been damaged and looted, while the homes of both her grandfathers and grandmothers have been completely destroyed as a result of shelling.
Particularly painful for Starodubtseva is the story of her grandfather. Recently, he spent 15 days in a coma after a Russian drone hit his car.
"No one can know what my family and I have had to go through during this war. I love my country, its culture, and its people, and Ukraine will always remain my only home," the Ukrainian emphasized.
Why She Came to Athens
Yulia Starodubtseva explained the motives for her visit to Athens on July 15. She came exclusively to support her friend Daria Kasatkina. It is worth noting that Kasatkina has officially competed under the flag of Australia since January 2026 and consistently communicates a clear anti-war position.
"I came to celebrate love. Dasha's anti-war position is well known. Despite the emotions associated with some guests, I was there only to support a friend," Starodubtseva wrote.
She also categorically defined her principles: "I will never be friends with or support people who in any way justify or support Russian aggression".
Scandal Over the Guest List
A wave of public outrage was caused by the fact that among the guests at the wedding of Daria Kasatkina and Natalia Zabiyako, in addition to Ukrainians Yulia Starodubtseva and Nadiia Kichenok, Russian athletes Mirra Andreeva and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova were noted. Both tennis players are known for their open support of Vladimir Putin and Russian aggression against Ukraine. Nadiia Kichenok had previously voiced her position on this matter.
