Svitolina: It is important for me that we have sponsors and donors from abroad. I don’t want to take money from Ukrainians

Ukrainian tennis player, the country’s first racket Elina Svitolina spoke about how she turns her media presence into a mission of support Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

“There is a war going on, but love for people, children, Ukraine is always vitally important to me. I dream of returning home so I can be here longer.”

“But I don’t have much time, because I travel a lot, play tournaments every week, talk about Ukraine with foreigners. When I return home, there are always such warm feelings, very warm meetings. I communicate a lot, meet new people, play tennis at home – this is really important to me. Being here in Ukraine is a real manifestation of love. This is very important and I will do it when I have time.”

“It is normal that foreign media ask a lot of questions about the war, because it continues. They want to know this experience. I want to make stories for my readers and viewers that will get a lot of views.”

“So I use this as a platform so that I can talk about the war and Russian aggression. I emphasize to foreigners through the media that we are holding training camps. That we need world support to win this war.”

“It takes a lot of energy because at conferences you have to know how to respond. You need to know how to avoid being subject to provocative questions. This also happens from time to time. I’m working hard on this. I know that I have a recognizable name that I can use in favor of Ukraine and Ukrainians.”

“Therefore, unfortunately, now I have few interviews with Ukrainian media, because it is important for me that we have sponsors and donors from abroad. I don’t want to take money from the Ukrainians, because I know that everyone will donate to the army, they will do everything for our victory.”

“And I have a platform for conversations with foreigners, a powerful global brand, tennis is a very media sport. That’s why I use this international space and give big interviews abroad.”

“It’s difficult to be scattered in all directions; I’m not chasing fame in Ukraine. My mission is to talk about our country abroad, convey our position and look for donors there.”

Let us remind you that the other day Svitolina, in company with the former first racket of Ukraine among men Sergei Stakhovsky, visited the Svitolina & Stakhovskyi Tennis Tour U14 children’s tennis tournament near Kiev, where she presented awards to the winners and runners-up. The award ceremony had to be held in a bomb shelter due to a prolonged air raid.

Previously, Svitolina, together with donors of the UNITED24 platform, helped raise funds for the restoration of the Munghausen residential complex in Irpen. Also, the tennis player, together with the famous Ukrainian poet Sergei Zhadan, met with soldiers of the “Charter” volunteer unit.

In the early hours of February 24, 2022, Russia launched rocket and air strikes on most Ukrainian cities and then launched a full-scale military invasion. The war against Russia has continued for the 629th day.