Russian tennis icon Maria Sharapova's brave act for Ukraine

Russian tennis legend Maria Sharapova has made the stunning decision to donate and help out children suffering from the war in Ukraine during Vladimir Putin's invasion.

The tennis world has rallied around Ukraine as world leaders have piled on sanctions to hit Russia during its invasion.

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HUGE: Andy Murray's incredible act of generosity for children in Ukraine

Russian stars Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev have called for a stop to the invasion, which has seen the International Tennis Federation (ITF) ban Russia and Belarus from playing team tennis.

Players from Russia and Belarus also have to play under a neutral flag as the condemnation of Russia's actions from around the world continues.

Now, one of Russia's most well-known stars, has spoken out against the war and called for an end to Putin's invasion.

"With each day that goes by, I am more and more heartbroken and deeply saddened by the images and stories of families and children affected by this escalating crisis in Ukraine," Sharapova wrote on Instagram.

The five-time grand slam champ pledged to donate to Save the Children organisation helping Ukrainian children impacted by the war.

"I am donating to Save the Children’s crisis relief fund, an organization working tirelessly to provide food, water, and aid kits to support those in need," he said.

"Please join me in making a donation. I pray for PEACE and send my love and support to all those affected."

Sharapova is one of the highest-profile sport icons to speak out against the invasion.

The five-time grand slam winner became one of the wealthiest sport stars in the world after her incredible rise to fame.

Andy Murray's stunning gesture for Ukraine

Sharapova's act follows Andy Murray's pledge to donate any prize money he wins for the rest of the year to help children impacted by the war in Ukraine.

The World No.88 is the UNICEF UK ambassador and made the extraordinary announcement following Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion leaving millions of families displaced in Ukraine.

"Over 7.5m children are at risk with the escalating conflict in Ukraine, so I'm working with @UNICEF_uk to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits," Murray wrote on Twitter.

"It's vital education continues, so UNICEF is working to enable access to learning for displaced children, as well as supporting the rehabilitation of damaged schools, together with replacement equipment and furniture."

"I'm going to be donating my earnings from my prize money for the rest of the year, but anyone in the UK can support UNICEF's humanitarian response by donating to our appeal by following this link - https://unicef.uk/am_ukraine Children in Ukraine need peace - now."

Murray's announcement follows Ukrainian tennis player Dayana Yastremska donating her prize money from making the Lyon Open final to helping those in need during the war effort.

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