"Russians and Ukrainians are on the same side in sports, for peace and against what is happening" - Diego Schwartzman
World No. 14 Diego Schwartzman believes tennis stars from Russia and Ukraine advocate peace despite their countries being locked in a devastating war.
It's been over a week since Russia invaded Ukraine. Putin's forces have killed hundreds of innocent people and have wreaked havoc in several big Ukrainian cities.
Meanwhile, tennis players from both countries have made their feelings clear about the war. Ukrainians Dayana Yastremska and Elina Svitolina have spoken out against Putin's regime, while compatriot Sergiy Stakhovsky even signed up for his country's military reserves.
Russians Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev expressed their displeasure at the situation and called for peace.
Schwartzman was asked for his opinion on Stakhovsky signing up for the reserves in a recent interview with La Nacional. The Argentine expressed his admiration at Stakhovsky's decision, pointing out how common people tend to be the true victims of war.
The 29-year-old also highlighted how Russian tennis stars have spoken out against the atrocities being committed by their country.
"(Stakhovsky's decision) Is awesome. It's just that you can't believe it," Diego Schwartzman said. "The situation makes you feel bad. Everything that is being experienced by leaders or governments that do not agree is very ugly. And in the end those who suffer are the people, the common people."
"I have a very good vibe with Rublev, with (Karen) Khachanov and they have already expressed themselves," he added. "They are very friendly people. Russians and Ukrainians are on the same side in sports, for peace and against what is happening."
"It's clear who the culprits are" - Diego Schwartzman on Russia-Ukraine war
During the interview with La Nacional, Diego Schwartzman made his position clear on the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. He pointed out how the families of several Ukrainian tennis players are still stranded in war-torn parts of Ukraine as Russia slowly ravages the country.
"Picking it up with people who have nothing to do with it is wrong; It's clear who the culprits are," Diego Schwartzman said. "There are many families of Ukrainian tennis players who had to stay in that country."
Schwartzman noted that several terrible images from the battlefield have been doing the rounds. He also explained why he recently decided to post some anti-war photos of renowned street artist Banksy.
"There are many images that are seen that are terrible," he continued. "The other day in my house I posted some photos because I have a lot of pictures of Banksy, who is against the war and usually makes a parody with wars, bombs. It can not be believed."