Daria Kasatkina has been one of the brave Russian voices speaking out against her government's illegal invasion of Ukraine, and she did so again by saying her biggest wish is for the war to end.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February of this year, and the war has continued ever since. Many Russian athletes have been asked about the situation, but many do not want to speak disapprovingly of their country's action due to safety concerns for their loved ones.
However, several Russian athletes, including tennis players, have opposed the war. Andrey Rublev memorably wrote "No war, please" on a camera lens after one of his matches at the Dubai Championships.
When asked about the subject, Daniil Medvedev has said he wants peace. Kasatkina is another player who does not support the war, repeatedly conveying that message when discussing the issue.
The No. 1 Russian on the WTA Tour recently said she has thought about the war in Ukraine every day since it began on 24 February. Kasatkina showed how much she wants the war to end by stating it is her biggest wish.
"For the war to end. There hasn't been a single day since February 24 that I haven't read some news or haven't thought of for the day to pass by. Really I have no connection with it (the war). I haven't been affected, thank God, barely minimum, Wimbledon and all that."
Kasatkina admitted she cannot imagine what the Ukrainian players are going through. The 25-year-old lamented that she could do nothing to stop the war, saying she would do so in a heartbeat.
"But people who have relatives in Ukraine, specially when you start talking about Russia. I can't imagine what they are going through. It's full-blown nightmare. ... Without a thought, I would do anything I can (to end it), but unfortunately (I can't)."