Russian Strike Damages Elina Svitolina’s SVITO PADEL Club in Kyiv’s Podil District

SVITO PADEL Club Sustains Damage Following Russian Attack

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On September 8, 2026, a Russian attack caused damage to SVITO PADEL, the sports club in Kyiv owned by renowned Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina. Opened in May 2026 in partnership with former top Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky, the club quickly became a vital hub for promoting sports in Ukraine. The explosion, resulting from a nearby strike on a food production facility, sent a shockwave that impacted the club. Fortunately, no injuries were reported since the incident occurred overnight.

Elina Svitolina’s Response

Reflecting on the event, Elina Svitolina stated,

“Today, my club SVITO PADEL joined the list of places affected.”

She emphasized the wider toll the conflict has taken on Ukrainian sports, noting that since the full-scale invasion began, 776 Ukrainian athletes and sports officials have lost their lives, and 942 sports venues across Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed. Svitolina urged the international community to support Ukrainian sports and help halt the aggression, highlighting that

“Ukrainian athletes and our younger generations lack the opportunity to train and prepare for international competitions on equal footing with athletes from other countries.”

SVITO PADEL was established with the goal of fostering sports development in Ukraine. Representatives of the club remarked, “We built SVITO with the intention of promoting sports nationwide and deliberately chose Kyiv as its location. We were aware of the risks but believed-and continue to believe-that sport plays a crucial role now: it helps maintain personal strength, supports mental health, and offers a chance to momentarily escape and recharge.”

In her statement, Svitolina also appealed to global allies and supporters of Ukrainian athletes: “Through this message, I reach out to our international partners and friends who stand with us on the world stage, asking for your support and concrete actions that can help stop the aggressor.”

The damage inflicted on SVITO PADEL is emblematic of the broader challenges faced amid the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, which severely impacts sports infrastructure and the lives of athletes. This incident highlights not only the physical dangers but also the significant obstacles confronting Ukrainian sportspeople, who urgently need international assistance to rebuild and advance sports throughout the country.