Putin Launches Russian Military Operation, Tennis Player Elina Svitolina: I'm Proud To Be Ukrainian

Elina Svitolina (PHOTO / INSTAGRAM: @elisvitolina)

JAKARTA – Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina called on all people in her country to unite when the Russian military launched an invasion of their homeland.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has declared martial law on Wednesday, February 22. That was after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation into the Eastern European country.

Knowing that her country was under attack, Elina immediately spoke up. She asked everyone in her country to be consolidated in the increasingly heated political climate.

"I am proud to be Ukrainian. We are united in this very difficult time for peace and the future of our country. Glory to Ukraine", the world number 15 wrote in a video posted on her social media account.

Пишаюся тим, що я українка. Єднаємося у цей надскладний час заради миру та майбутнього нашої держави. Слава Україні 💙💛🇺🇦

Video made by: dorosh.raw pic.twitter.com/PFz6LqYYRa

— Elina Monfils (@ElinaSvitolina) February 23, 2022

Russia's invasion of Ukraine infuriated many parties. Governments and leaders from various countries around the world say that Putin not only violated several international agreements by making such a move, but also blatantly ignored the Minsk Agreement.

Russia has reportedly carried out missile strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure and border guards. The country nicknamed the White Bear is eyeing Ukraine's military, defense and air force facilities with "high-precision weapons."

In the next upload, Elina wrote a short phrase accompanied by a crying emoji and a split heart.

"I can't..." she chirped.

I can’t…..😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 #Україна #Ukraine

— Elina Monfils (@ElinaSvitolina) February 24, 2022

Apart from Elina, another Ukrainian tennis player, Marta Kostyuk, also uses social media to voice her attitude towards Russia. She wrote that Ukraine will never be part of Russia.

"Ukraine is not part of Russia, is not and will never be part of Russia", Kostyuk shared the message with such strong meaning.

Meanwhile, United States tennis legend Martina Navratilova, a few days ago expressed her concern for Svitolina. "I can't imagine how scared Elina Svitolina has been lately… good luck Ukraine!!!" wrote Navratilova.

Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina are currently in the Middle East after appearing at the Qatar Open. Both were immediately eliminated in the first round, losing to Ana Konjuh and Tereza Martincova respectively.