"Are we Ukrainians on equal terms with Russian and Belarusians?": Kostyuk counters Azarenka WTA Player Council aid claims

Victoria Azarenka commented on the aid provided to Ukrainian players by the WTA and its council which she is part of and Kostyuk disputed her claim.

Marta Kostyuk has never been in a very reconciliatory tone since Russia invaded Ukraine holding fierce views from the start. She's been quite outspoken about many of them rarely mincing her words. Azarenka recently commented on Swiatek's stance that the WTA didn't do enough for Ukrainian players saying:

"Obviously, there are certain players that have different feelings and behaviours. Overall, I don’t necessarily share the same opinion as Iga does. I would encourage her to look at the things that have been done before she makes comments. Obviously, as a player council (member), I am happy to provide all those facts that have been done. And I think that would be a more appropriate way to have that conversation."

Kostyuk disputed her claims saying:

"Are we (Ukrainians) on equal terms with Russian and Belarusian women? I'd like to note that the communication with the representatives of the Players' council took place for the first time since the beginning of the war. Until this conversation, no one was interested in what can be and should be done to help Ukrainians, who suffer because of the war."

She added:

"And in these conditions we have to compete with the representatives of aggressor countries, because the WTA decided not to ban them. Ukrainians are in such conditions because of what Russia and Belarus are doing. In other words, these countries with their actions knowingly created an for their athletes over Ukrainian athletes."