The likes of Andriy Shevchenko, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fyodor Smolov have all reacted to the chaos that’s being witnessed in Eastern Europe.
Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko and former AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko are among the prominent sporting stars from Ukraine to have called for solidarity within their country as political tension in the region escalates.
Russia has begun a large-scale attack on its Eastern European neighbour, with military convoys entering Ukrainian soil from all directions on the orders of president Vladimir Putin.
Explosions have been heard across the nation, with Putin stating that resistance from outside powers will be met with an “instant” response, sparking serious concern among those that call that part of the world home.
What has been said?
Ukraine international Zinchenko, who plies his club trade for the Premier League champions in England, has said in a message posted on Instagram: “The whole civilised world is worried about the situation in my country. I can’t stay away and try to convey my opinion.
“In the photo – my country. The country where I was born and raised. A country whose colours I defend in the international sports arena. A country that we try to glorify and develop. A country whose borders must remain inviolable.
“My country belongs to Ukrainians and no one will ever be able to appropriate it. We will not give up! Glory to Ukraine.”
Who else has spoken out?
Roman Yaremchuk, who unveiled an emblem in support of his homeland after scoring for Benfica against Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday, has said: “I am Ukrainian and I am proud of that.
“Being thousands of kilometres away from my native country, I want to support everyone who is now in tension in their native land, now is the time to unite.
“This is our country, our history, our culture, our people and our borders. I would like to thank our defenders for their courage. Glory to Ukraine.”
Russia international striker Fyodor Smolov, who plays for Dynamo Moscow, has appeared to condemn the actions of his country in a social media post that reads: “No war!!!”.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has claimed that Russia have carried out missile strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure and on border guards.
Russia’s defence ministry has denied attacking any Ukrainian cities, with military infrastructure, air defence and air forces the focus of their attention.
– goal.com