Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk has fiercely criticized Russian players for their silence regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, claiming their inaction has exposed "whose side they are on" after four years of conflict. Her remarks came following her achievement of reaching her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open on Tuesday.

Kostyuk secured her spot in the final four by defeating fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 in a tense quarter-final match, which occurred just hours after Russian strikes targeted Kyiv.

Set to face Russian player Mirra Andreeva next, Kostyuk dismissed arguments suggesting that Russian athletes must remain silent due to fear of repercussions at home.

There is a way if you don’t agree,

• She cited Daria Kasatkina, who switched her allegiance from Russia to Australia last year, as an example of a player who has spoken out despite familial pressure.

Kostyuk emphasized, "I don’t think she lives in Russia anyways, but the majority of players don’t live in Russia. There is nothing that’s stopping you if this is something you don’t believe in. After four years, I think they’ve made it very clear whose side they are on."

Her comments followed inquiries about statements from Russian players, including Diana Shnaider and Andreeva, who have previously stated their focus remains solely on tennis and avoided political discussions.

Kostyuk remarked, "They are all grown-ups. They know what they’re talking about. They have phones. They have Instagram. They have news. I wish there was some more clear stance on what’s going on, especially when your country is killing other people."

Earlier, Kostyuk dedicated her victory to "the Ukrainian people," revealing she had woken to news of further bombings before checking on her family’s safety. She stressed that representing Ukraine has become more significant than individual achievements: "With everything that’s happening, for me being here is a real blessing, and I don’t think about winning. I’m here to represent Ukraine and to enjoy."