On the morning of 24th February 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, endangering 44 million civilians living in its cities. President Vladimir Putin’s assault on Ukrainian democracy has subsequently sparked mass anti-war protests worldwide, including on the streets of Moscow and St Petersberg.<\/p>\n
In the wake of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, many prominent esports organisations have united in condemning Russian hostility<\/a> in the country. In addition, several esports figureheads have spoken out, calling for a peaceful end to the conflict<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, rumours began to circulate recently, noting that certain Russia-based esports organisations, namely Gambit Esports and Virtus.pro, had prohibited staff and players from publically supporting Ukraine, claims later revealed to be false.<\/p>\n According to a Twitter post by Ukrainian esports caster Vitalii Nikolaevich “v1lat” Volochai on 24th February 2022, Volochai received information that Virtus.pro and Gambit Esports “forbid their players and other staff to express their support to Ukraine” amid the Russian invasion.<\/p>\nRumours that VP and Gambit decry Ukraine support are not true<\/h2>\n