CS:GO pro s1mple calls for peace amid Russia-Ukraine invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military invasion into Ukraine in the early hours of the morning on 24th February 2022. As world leaders condemned Russia's heinous attacks, a notable esports figure watched the events unfold in sadness.

CS:GO esports pro Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev, who's currently in Poland for the IEM Katowice 2022 tournament, shared his thoughts on the escalating conflict in Ukraine. The iconic player provided updates on Twitter, expressing his fear and anguish of the recent events taking place in the region.

s1mple pleads for peace following Russian attacks in Ukraine

As Russia continues its invasion into the Ukrainian region, the Natus Vincere player has shared what has been happening in his city amid mounting tension and fears of war. Hours before the attacks began, s1mple tweeted how "tired" he is of the news as of late.

After his tweet, Russian troops crossed the Ukrainian borders, beginning their assault. The CS:GO star then provided another update in Russian, pleading for calm and peace in the area.

In a translated tweet, s1mple wrote, "Please, please, stop; I can't do this anymore; we all need peace." Hours later, s1mple provided another update, revealing that his city has been shelled as Russia continues their advancements in the region.

Пожалуйста, прошу вас, хватит, я так уже не могу, нам всем нужен мир

— Sasha (@s1mpleO) February 23, 2022

The conflict sent ripples across the gaming and esports community as many rallied support behind s1mple and other esports figures caught up in the attacks. Gambit Esports' Valorant pro Nikita "d3ffo" Sudakov shared a video of the attacks in Ukraine, expressing his disbelief over what's happening in Ukraine.

TSM Valorant pro Subroza tweeted that he's "praying" for s1mple's safety during this difficult time, while Team Liquid's Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski also offered his support and prayers to the CS:GO pro.

Other figures had shown their support behind the Ukrainian people, sending their best wishes and "Stay Safe" messages. Evil Geniuses' Jake "Stewie2K" Yip tweeted, "Sending thoughts and prayers out to Ukraine", and the Astralis CS:GO Twitter account stood in solidarity with Ukraine, changing their profile picture donning the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

As we can expect several esports tournaments and competitions to be cancelled or suspended after what's occurring in the region, s1mple's message highlights the fear and anguish shared amongst the people of Ukraine.

We stand with our friends in Ukraine, peace, and free people across the world. pic.twitter.com/bWRUQcYS2d

— Astralis Counter-Strike (@AstralisCS) February 24, 2022

While the world watches on as prayers for safety and support continues to be shared online, the consequences of this latest attack will have permanent effects globally.

We will continue to follow the story for more news and the latest updates.

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Featured image courtesy of Twitter / HLTVorg.