Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova has made serious allegations against the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), claiming that she was pressured to remain silent regarding fellow player Polina Kudermetova's use of pro-Putin symbolism, specifically the St. George Ribbon. In her Instagram stories, Oliynykova explained that the ribbon has become associated with negative connotations, akin to the Nazi swastika, and criticized the WTA for supporting Kudermetova. She expressed her frustration over being pressured to 'de-personalize' her statements, despite the visibility of Kudermetova's actions. Oliynykova has been an outspoken advocate for raising awareness about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, previously accusing players like Aryna Sabalenka and Danill Medvedev of supporting the conflict. The pressure from the WTA has reportedly caused her significant stress, as she feels her voice is being suppressed. Currently, she is competing at the Italian Open, where she secured a straight-sets victory over Petra Marcinko in her first match.