Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Saturday, 30 May 2026, 08:15 / Updated Saturday, 30 May 2026 08:15
Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova (25 years old, #65 WTA) offered a series of statements unprecedented in world tennis. The press conference came in the context of the third round match at Roland Garros, where she will face the Russian Diana Shnaider (22 years old, #23 WTA).
Oliynykova directly criticized the context of the match and claimed that Shnaider had appreciated several Russian propaganda messages over the years. It is well known that Oliynykova, the daughter of the Ukrainian military, is actively involved in awareness campaigns about the war started by Russia.
Oleksandra Oliynykova, serious accusations before the match with Russian Diana Shnaider: “A company that finances war crimes”
“What is serious here is simply that this match will take place. Because Diana Shnaider is a person who participated in a Gazprom tournament.
Ask Diana Shnaider what she thinks about Gazprom funding children's camps, kidnapping children and taking them there. Ask her what she thinks about it and what she thinks about accepting money from this company.
Gazprom is a company that finances war crimes. To participate in a tournament funded by a company that also funds camps for children… My city is under attack because of Gazprom money. They are the ones who finance this, the drones that attack my city,” Oleksandra Oliynykova said, according to A Bola.
The statements escalated further, with a controversial historical comparison: “For me, it's like playing in Nazi Germany in front of Gestapo officers, on a tour organized by a company that allegedly built Auschwitz. I don't see any difference.”
Oliynykova added to the criticism of the silence surrounding the situation and claimed to have alleged evidence.
“And the problem is that everyone is silent about what this person did. It's crazy. She also likes various publications of Russian propagandists. I have screenshots, I can share them.”
