Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev defeated Hubert Hurkacz in the semi-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6. Following the victory, Rublev approached the camera and signed the lens “No war please.”

The young rising Russian star joined a number of athletes to publicly stand with Ukraine or against the war altogether. Ukrainian boxing brothers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko posted a video condemning the Russian aggression. Sacramento Kings center Alex Len and Toronto Raptors guard Svi Mykhailiuk then released a statement as well in support of Ukraine.

On Wednesday night, Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces began an invasion of neighboring Ukraine. They are reportedly attempting to sack the capital of Kyiv and take back control of the territory that was once part of the Soviet Union.

Rublev is the first Russian born pro athlete to make a public gesture in support of ending the war in Ukraine.

Rublev now awaits the winner of Jiri Vesely versus Denis Shapovalov. Vesely is the player who defeated world number one Novak Djokovic during the quarter finals of the tournament.

Over the course of his career, Rublev has begun to climb the rankings. He reached as high as ATP ranking #5 in the world on September 13, 2021. Rublev has won nine ATP singles titles during his career.