The 25-year-old is ranked 121st in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) doubles rankings, and typically competes with Russia's Yan Bondarevsky.

"I played a couple with the Russian, because he is my friend," said Prikhodko, as reported by BTU.

"And I played a couple with my friend - for me, nationality does not matter.

"In my opinion, a person should be judged for his actions, not by his nationality."

He continued, saying "in general, I believe that such condemnation of athletes only fuels the conflict more."

"Thus, athletes begin to make war on and off the court, turning into instruments of war and forgetting the basic principle of sport."

Prikohdko then went on to say that he has been ridiculed for not identifying himself as Ukrainian on his Instagram page.

His relationship with the Tennis Federation of Ukraine has also declined as a result of the stance.

He refused to play for his country in the Davis Cup last year, even after being offered payment.

Prikhodko believes that Russia and Belarus should be allowed to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"I, as an athlete, do not understand this," he continued.

"I understand that for all the guys this is a dream that they have been going to all their lives.

"I believe that sport should unite people. 

"In ancient times, when the Olympics were held, all wars stopped, and now it is part of the war.

"I believe that athletes should be given a chance to realise themselves.

"For most, this is the only Olympics in their lives.

"I just put myself in their shoes, and I wouldn't want to be removed from the most important event in my life that I've been going to all my life."