Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk has revealed she was left “completely distraught and paralyzed” after watching video of a Ukrainian soldier shot dead after using the same words she had used recently.
After winning the Austin tournament in early March, Marta Kostyuk declared at the trophy ceremony “Slava Ukraini”, which means Glory to Ukraine
.
Earlier this month, a video showed an unarmed Ukrainian soldier smoking a cigarette and saying “Slava Ukraini” before being shot dead by Russian soldiers. After killing the Ukrainian soldier, someone is heard saying in Russian “ die asshole “.
“A series of shocking events flash before me. But there is one that completely overwhelmed and paralyzed me. I was sick for three days. When I won the trophy in Austin, I said in my acceptance speech: “Glory to Ukraine”.
Then I saw a video of our soldier digging his own grave and giving the same salute. He was then executed. He was killed for using the same words as me,” Mr.
Kostyuk.
Kostyuk is not recovering from a video of the execution of a soldier
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kostyuk has not minced his words. In early March, Kostyuk beat Russia’s Varvara Grecheva 6-3 7-5 in the Austin final.
After the final, Kostyuk and Gracheca did not shake hands and pose together with the trophies. During the on-court trophy ceremony, Kostyuk took a moment to pay tribute to those fighting in Ukraine.
“Everyone in the stands and everyone watching, especially in Ukraine, I mean “Slava Ukraini,” being in the position I’m in right now, it’s extremely special to win this title.
I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine and all the people who are fighting and dying right now,” Kostyuk said after winning Austin. Last weekend, Kostyuk represented Ukraine in the 3- 1 against Czech Republic in Billie Jean King Cup qualifying.
