Aryna Sabalenka was subjected to backlash after her recent internet activity saw her engaging with pro-Russian propaganda.
One Ukrainian sports account called out the Belarusian star for liking an Instagram video where Victoria Bonya shows support for Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin. The Dom 2 star appealed to the Russian Federation and the president, saying:
“I want to record an appeal to the President of Russia, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin,” Bonya said. “Look at the situation as it is. Today I will show my honesty. I think that between you and us, ordinary people, there is a huge thick wall. And I want to break through this wall. And today I will tell you about five points that are very important on the agenda. Not a single governor will tell you this. I’ll explain why, because they are afraid of you.
“Why am I saying this? Because I have a Russian passport. I am Russian. I love my country very much. This is my country. This is my DNA. I’m not talking about anything, I love it very much. And Vladimir Vladimirovich, we support you too. And we consider you a very strong politician. But you don’t know much. That’s why I’m recording this video.”
Sabalenka’s activity on this video hasn’t gone down well with fans. She has always taken an issue when players from Ukraine don’t shake hands with her because of the ongoing war with Russia, believing politics and sports should not be mixed. Seeing her latest interest, fans called her out for hypocrisy.
“Yeah there’s no defending her for this. Y’all always get on Ukrainian players for not shaking hands with Russian or Belarusian players when they’re liking videos like this. This is absolutely disgusting and should be called out,” one fan wrote.
“she keeps getting away with these things,” another added.
“I hope she’s asked about this soon. Unacceptable,” one fan commented.
“she’s a f**king putin lover,” one fan added.
“Sabalenka, you empty-headed h*g, you went to Russia to kiss Putin’s a**,” another wrote.
“I think soon she’ll have her accounts blocked and a criminal case opened, the only question is whether she really thinks that way, or if she’s just that stupid?” one fan added.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Stance on Russia-Ukraine War
Aryna Sabalenka is not in favor of war as the situation unfolds between Russia and Ukraine, with the world keeping a close eye on it. Having suffered the consequences from being from that part of the world, Sabalenka said athletes shouldn’t be blamed for political actions.
“I don’t support war, which means I don’t support Lukashenko [the Belarus leader] right now,” Sabalenka said in 2023.
Sabalenka has been repeatedly questioned about the war in press conferences. Because of this, she even skipped talking to the media. Nevertheless, her latest internet activity could once again lead her to face such questions in the press conference.
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