"There is simply no going back, I don't regret it even 1%": Kasatkina can't return to Russia due to being gay and denouncing the war

Russia’s tennis star Daria Kasatkina has revealed that she cannot return to her home country because of her sexual orientation and views regarding the war with Ukraine.

Russia and Ukraine are involved in an armed conflict since February 2022 which has led to the loss of lives on both sides.

The 26-year-old has been pretty vocal against her country’s adventure in the neighbouring Ukraine and according to her, she cannot return home until the current regime stays in power.

“It’s unsafe for me now, with the regime we have,” she said as quoted by tennis.com. “As a gay person who opposes the war, it’s not possible to go back. But I don’t regret it even 1%. When the war started and everything turned to hell, I felt very overwhelmed and I just decided, ‘F* it all.’ I couldn’t hide any more.

"I wanted to say my position on the war and my [sexuality], which was tough, coming from a country where being gay is not accepted, but it felt like I had a backpack of stones on my shoulders and I just had to throw it off. Afterwards, I faced a few consequences, but the only thing that worried me was my parents, and they were fine. They are proud of me.”

Speaking about her journey alone and away from her family, Kasatkina stated that she has been only able to do that because of her love for the sport.

“I’m much happier now. I really struggle with traveling and being away from home, and it’s only because I really love tennis that I can accept it,” she said. “If it was for money, it wouldn’t work out. It helps a lot to have this love and support with me because I don’t really know where my home is anymore.

“Before the war started, I never appreciated the chance to go back. I always wanted to leave and live abroad. It’s only when it’s taken away you realize how much you need it. I can definitely separate the government from the country as my homeland and the bad thing is, even when this war finishes, we don’t know how it’s going to end up, particularly in Russia, and if I will be able to go back or not. Being myself was not an easy choice.”