Football
Shevchenko and Zinchenko call for solidarity. Smolov disagrees with his country’s attitude
Football stars Andriy Shevchenko, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fyodor Smolov react to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. What did they say?
Football stars Andriy Shevchenko, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fyodor Smolov react to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. What did they say?
The conflict on the Ukrainian-Russian border
Russia launched a large-scale attack on its neighbour on Thursday morning. Thus, military convoys are entering Ukrainian soil from all directions on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Explosions have been heard throughout the country, with Putin declaring that resistance from outside powers will be met with an immediate response.
This has caused serious concern not only among the people of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia had carried out missile attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and border guards.
The Russian defence ministry has denied that it has attacked any Ukrainian cities. Their focus is mainly on military infrastructure, air defences and air forces.
Shevchenko, Zinchenko and Smolov commented on the conflict
Former AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko and Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko have called for solidarity within their country as political tensions escalate in the region.
The former national team cannonballer and Ballon d’Or winner commented on the situation in his country. “I have always been proud of my people and my country! We have gone through many difficult times and have formed as a nation over the last 30 years,” he said on social media.
“Ukraine is my homeland! Anation of honest, hardworking and freedom-loving citizens,” Shevchenko, who became a football coach after his career as a footballer ended, posted his opinion on the situation. he also led Ukraine’s national team, but left the role of national team manager in August 2021.
Zinchenko, the Ukrainian national team’s Premier League title contender, has expressed similar views on the situation. In a message posted on Instagram, he stated his concern over the escalating situation.
“The whole civilized world is concerned about the situation in my country. I cannot stay on the sidelines and not try to express my opinion,” the 25-year-old footballer said.
The Manchester City star proclaims that the borders of his native country, which he is trying to make famous and develop through his sporting prowess, must remain sacrosanct. “My country belongs to Ukrainians and no one will ever be able to appropriate it. We will not give up! Glory to Ukraine,” he wrote in the post.
Russian national team striker Fyodor Smolov, who plays for Dynamo Moscow, appeared to condemn his country’s actions. “No war,” he responded succinctly in a social media post to his country’s activities on Ukrainian territory. Hopefully, the situation on the Ukrainian-Russian border will calm down as soon as possible.
Source