Ukrainian former player Alexandr Dolgopolov on his journey to reach his homeland

Tennis authorities are being too passive and should ban players from Russia, says a Ukrainian tennis player.

The decision to allow Russian players, such as men's world number one Daniil Medvedev, to continue playing as neutrals and remove their flag is not changing anything according to the 33-year-old.

He said that letting them play just by saying they are against war is not enough.

A former world number 13 has returned to Kyiv to join the territorial defence unit and is learning how to use weapons.

He said it was difficult to see terrible things happening in his country while speaking to the radio.

Russia and Belarus have been suspended from international tennis team competition.

The International Tennis Federation and both the ATP and WTA tours have allowed players from both countries to compete as neutral individuals.

The world number seven signed a camera lens with a "no war please" message on it at a recent tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

He was disappointed by the stance taken by tennis authorities.

I know all those guys. When I was playing, I played Daniil. They are nice guys but I don't think Russia should be allowed in any sport or culture.

I think every Russian is responsible for their government.

We know that taking away their flag is not changing anything. Even the sanctions that are happening now are not enough for Putin to stop.

He told the representative that tennis should go further.

He said that he already told them that tennis is being too passive.

It is not enough to say we are against war. We hear that we are against war everywhere in Miss Universe. They don't ask the children or the women any questions.

The tennis player said it was inspiring to see a number of Ukrainian sports people sign up to fight.

To prepare for his return to his homeland, Dolgopolov had several days of military training.

He said that he would like to understand how a gun works.

I don't know if I need it. I can defend myself. I will shoot and hit the point if I appear in a battle.

Explaining what his main emotion was at this time, he said: Anger. 10 days ago, my girlfriend tried to leave with her child. Their car was shot at. Three cars in front of them were destroyed.

She told me that one of her friends family got killed with children. We just feel angry.