Ukrainian Oliynykova urges sanctions on Russian Shnaider over Gazprom event participation

What happened

The Guardian Ukraine reports that Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova has publicly called for sanctions against Russian player Diana Shnaider for competing in a Gazprom-funded exhibition event in St Petersburg last year. Oliynykova showed journalists images of Shnaider participating in the Northern Palmyra Trophies and screenshots suggesting Shnaider “liked” pro-Kremlin posts on social media—claims not independently verified in the supplied material.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. Oliynykova condemned Shnaider’s participation as support for what she described as a ‘war crimes sponsor’, equating it to playing in Nazi-era events during the Second World War. She criticized the international tennis authorities as hypocritical for sanctioning players for participating in tournaments organized by betting companies, yet allegedly ignoring tournaments linked to state-owned Russian companies. Oliynykova demanded the tour use existing mechanisms to act against such participation.

Shnaider responded that she was unaware of Oliynykova’s criticisms and defended her participation as a unique chance to play in front of family and friends during a busy travel schedule. She denied knowledge of the social media claims and declined to comment further. The Guardian Ukraine notes Shnaider’s position without confirmation of the social media activity or direct statements on the conflict from her side.

Known from the source

• Oleksandra Oliynykova is a Ukrainian tennis player who defeated Diana Shnaider 7-5, 6-1 at the French Open.
• Diana Shnaider is a Russian tennis player who played in a Gazprom-funded exhibition event called the Northern Palmyra Trophies in St Petersburg last year.
• Oliynykova called for sanctions against Shnaider over her participation in this Gazprom-sponsored event.
• Oliynykova showed journalists images of Shnaider’s participation in the exhibition and screenshots suggesting Shnaider liked pro-Putin social media posts.
• Shnaider said she was unaware of Oliynykova’s public accusations and viewed the exhibition as an opportunity to play before family and friends.

What remains unclear

Oliynykova, ranked inside the top 100, is known for vocal opposition to Russia’s war in Ukraine. She still lives and trains in Kyiv, and her father and boyfriend volunteer for the Ukrainian armed forces. She framed her outspokenness as a moral duty and part of being a role model, emphasizing that silence amid the war would be unacceptable given the human cost she highlighted.

What remains unclear: Authenticate images and screenshots shown by Oliynykova depicting Shnaider’s participation and social media activity. Confirm the Gazprom sponsorship of the Northern Palmyra Trophies and its official links to the Russian state or war funding. Check official responses from tennis governing bodies regarding sanction mechanisms and if they apply to Gazprom-linked events. Verify Shnaider’s social media activity and personal stance regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict from reliable sources.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: The Guardian Ukraine. Open the source.