Yuliia Starodubtseva has responded to criticism from a fellow Ukrainian player over her decision to attend Daria Kasatkina's wedding. The event took place earlier this month in Greece. Starodubtseva explained her choice in an Instagram post.
Starodubtseva wrote that she attended to celebrate love and support her friend. She noted Kasatkina's documented anti-war stance and said she was there solely for that reason despite emotions around other guests.
Oleksandra Oliynykova had publicly questioned the attendance of Ukrainian players. In an Instagram story, she suggested they should instead focus on fundraising for a vehicle for Ukrainian Marines, noting only $5,000 remained to be raised.
Kasatkina, originally from Russia, switched her sporting allegiance to Australia last year and gained full citizenship in January 2026. She is currently the highest-ranked Australian on the WTA tour at No. 62 and married Olympian Natalia Zabiiako.
Several WTA players attended the ceremony, including some of Russian descent competing for other countries. The backlash followed public scrutiny of those who joined the celebrations.