"I am in complete fear" - Russian Pavlyuchenkova condemns Moscow’s assault on Ukraine

Tennis player Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has made one of the strongest statements of any Russian sports men and women to speak out against Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Writing on social media, Pavlyuchenkov said:

"I've been playing tennis since I was a kid. I have represented Russia all my life. This is my home and my country. But now I am in complete fear, as are my friends and family. But I am not afraid to clearly state my position. I am against war and violence. Personal ambitions or political motives cannot justify violence. This takes away the future not only from us, but also from our children."

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She further wrote:

"I am confused and do not know how to help in this situation. I'm just an athlete who plays tennis. I am not a politician, not a public figure, I have no experience in this. I can only publicly disagree with these decisions taken and openly talk about it. Stop the violence, stop the war."