Elina Svitolina receives special commemorative plaque from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for war-relief efforts 

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has been presented with a special commemorative plaque by her country's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in recognition of her Russia-Ukraine war-relief efforts.

Life has been incredibly taxing for Svitolina since the city of Odessa in southern Ukraine became a target of bombing. This is the city where her family still resides; her parents were able to flee the country, but her grandmother remains in the city, attempting to stay safe from the attacks.

The 28-year-old was appointed the ambassador of United24, a platform to aid in fundraising efforts. She has raised funds for doctors, paramedics, and medical supplies, as well as modern medical equipment to help her country.

Svitolina is not alone in this initiative, receiving support from other athletes in the community. Through her foundation, she has been a constant source of aid for Ukrainians in need.

Elina Svitolina was recently recognized for her outstanding achievements and was honored by Zelenskyy for her hard work and dedication. She took to social media to share a few photos with the plaque.

"Together towards victory - Разом до перемоги 🙏🏼🇺🇦✊🏼 @u24.gov.ua," she captioned her Instagram post.

The Ukrainian's efforts have been widely praised and have served as an inspiration to many.

Elina Svitolina wants a complete ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes in the upcoming Olympics

Elina Svitolina at the Tokyo Olympics

Elina Svitolina has advocated for a complete prohibition of Russian and Belarusian athletes from the 2024 Paris Olympics. This bold move has been met with both praise and criticism, as many believe that the ban could potentially have a detrimental effect on the spirit of the Games.

However, Svitolina stands firm in her conviction that the ban is necessary to ensure the integrity of the Olympics.

"The Olympics are the biggest dream and ultimate privilege for athletes. They are the largest platform for inclusion and diversity in sports, capturing the attention of the world. With this in mind we must stick to banning Russian and Belarusian athletes, sending a strong message worldwide, that we are united in the sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus," the Tokyo Olympic bronze medal winner wrote on social media.