Oleksandra Oliynykova Slams Ukrainian Players for Dancing with Russians at Daria Kasatkina’s Wedding: “Why Not Help Close the Fundraiser?”

Russian-born Daria Kasatkina changed her nationality to Australian last year.


Oleksandra Oliynykova Slams Ukrainian Players for Dancing with Russians at Daria Kasatkina’s Wedding: “Why Not Help Close the Fundraiser?”

Oleksandra Oliynykova, Daria Kasatkina, Natalia Zabiiako (Image via X/dochilove, SpetsnaZ 007)

Daria Kasatkina, after her third-round Wimbledon elimination at the hands of four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, tied the knot with her longtime partner, Natalia Zabiiako, in Greece. Kasatkina and the Olympic figure skater started dating in 2021 and got engaged in June 2025.

Kasatkina took to her Instagram and shared quite a few pictures from the ceremony. Several WTA players, including Mirra Andreeva, attended the wedding.

We just had the best day ever. We celebrated love, freedom and acceptance. No words for now, only appreciation.

Daria Kasatkina wrote on Instagram

Check out her post here:

Kasatkina, a Russian-born, changed her sporting nationality to Australian in March last year to live freely as a gay woman. The 29-year-old came out as gay in 2022, and shortly afterward, she publicly announced her relationship with Zabiiako.

Kasatkina has always criticized Russia for their stance on LGBTQ+ rights as well as their ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Because of her public criticism of the Russian government, Ukrainian players have made an exception to their no-handshake stance for Kasatkina.

At Kasatkina’s wedding, Ukrainian players, Yuliia Starodubtseva and Nadiia Kichenok, were filmed dancing with Russians. Oleksandra Oliynykova was left furious when she came across the clip.

Girls, judging by your cheerful dancing, I can see you have plenty of energy. Why not use it to help close the fundraiser for a vehicle for the Ukrainian Marines? With your audience and resources, this could be done very quickly. There’s only 5k left to raise. Or is it because your Russian friends wouldn’t understand?

Oleksandra Oliynykova on her Instagram story

Oliynykova has been making global headlines since this year’s Australian Open, where she voiced strong criticism of the Russian. Not only has she slammed the government, but she has also censured WTA, the Russian and Belarusian players, including World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, for their silence.

Also, she wrote a lengthy message on her Instagram about the hate she has been receiving for speaking out against the war.

I hear the military and I know my motivation. And dear men in my life are my pride, who did not start waiting for the enemy, sitting at home. Can you keep writing death wishes to me and my family for expressing an uncomfortable opinion on a certain situation. I’ve already received hundreds of such comments from Russians, so I’m not used to – immunity available. I will stand in solidarity with those who protect me.

Oleksandra Oliynykova wrote

Check out her post here:

Oleksandra Oliynykova and Daria Kasatkina’s performance so far this season

While off the court, Daria Kasatkina has so many things to be happy about; she has been struggling a lot since the 2025 season on the tour. The last time she won a title was at the 2024 Ningbo Open by defeating Mirra Andreeva.

Oleksandra Oliynykova
Oleksandra Oliynykova (Image via X/Ukrainian Tennis)

Also in 2024, the former World No.8 reached six finals, winning titles in Ningbo and the Eastbourne International (beat Leylah Fernandez). Since then, the winner of eight singles titles has only struggled. The one-time Grand Slam semifinalist has made just one quarterfinal this year, at the Strasbourg Open, where her run ended at the hands of Jaqueline Cristian.

Oleksandra Oliynykova also played at Wimbledon and suffered a 6-0, 6-0 defeat at the hands of McCartney Kessler in the first round. The 25-year-old also lost in the opening round of the Nordea Open, where she competed as the first seed. The Ukrainian ace then made the quarterfinals of the ongoing Oliynykova Iasi Open.

Oliynykova made her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open and lost in the first round. Then at the French Open, she reached the third round, losing to Diana Shnaider.

Also read: Kim Clijsters Pinpoints Problem Behind Aryna Sabalenka’s Disappointing Campaigns