CSGO's Ukrainian star, s1mple, confides his anguish and asks for peace

Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, many esports organizations have been supporting the affected citizens. At the WEI Katowice, s1mple wanted to share what was on his mind.

Whatever the field, at this moment in the news, no one can miss the plight of the Ukrainian people, caught in the middle of an invasion of the country by Russia, under the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The esports world has also been very sensitive to the issue, with most esports organizations sharing numerous messages of support for the Ukrainians, calling for peace and an end to the conflict. Even if there is little chance that these words will change Putin's decisions, many players have still wanted to share their opinion, this is particularly the case of s1mple.

♥️ @s1mpleO#IEM pic.twitter.com/nQjH576Cqa

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) February 25, 2022

Oleksandr „s1mple“ Kostyliev, the number one player in the world on CS:GO and absolute GOAT of the game, wanted to share everything he had on his heart today, being himself Ukrainian. It was on the sidelines of the IEM Katowice that the player spoke, making it clear that even if esports is not about politics, his words are. It is a strong message of love that he tries to pass, reminding that we are all equal, no matter our origins and therefore asks for peace. He is obviously afraid for him and especially for his family who is stuck in Ukraine, in Kiev, where the fighting is raging since yesterday.

Natus Vincere is a Ukrainian structure but whether in its workforce or in its fanbase, we find Russians and Ukrainians evolving side by side. In the roster, there are 3 Russian players, electroNic, Boombl4 and Perfecto and 2 Ukrainians, s1mple and b1t. In spite of this difference of origin, the players remain all united, s1mple reminding that they are all friends above all, and show all together their support to the Ukrainian people in this period. This unity between Russians and Ukrainians is very important to s1mple, who declares that united, they are able to build great things together, while war only brings destruction.

I cry thinking about my family and friends in Kyiv
I’m „lucky“ that I’m not at home, but you can’t even imagine how much I want to be there
Tomorrow I want to think about IEM Katowice and only
We don't need regrets, We need support, thank you everyone who cares #navination

— Sasha (@s1mpleO) February 24, 2022

Even if he has to participate in the IEM Katowice in this context, he announces on Twitter that he will focus only on that. He confides that he cries when he thinks about his family and friends and even if he knows that he is „lucky“ not to be there, he would still like to be there to be with his loved ones. In conclusion, he confided that they do not need regrets, but support and thanked all those who are concerned at this time.