Shevchenko's crude account of Russia's attack on Ukraine: “Innocent children are dying”

It has been more than 20 days since Russia launched its first missile aimed at Ukraine and since then the situation in the European country is getting worse and worse. Millions of people have left their homes to flee to other countries and the death toll is increasing every day. In this scenario, Andriy Shevchenko gave an interview in which he told about the drama that his family and people are experiencing amid the constant bombings that have ruined the lives of a generation.

The former Ukrainian footballer, a legend in his country and in Europe, currently resides with his wife and children in England, where they have participated in some anti-war demonstrations. From there he constantly follows the news of what is happening in his homeland where his mother, sister, cousins and many of his loved ones are located, some of whom have managed to leave Kiev but have not crossed the border.

“My friends, some are on the front line. They represent our country, our freedom, our choice, our pride. We defend ourselves, we fight. We have to do it, we don't have a choice,” he explained in dialogue with Daily Mail. In that talk, he said that he learned about the onset of the attacks through a call from his mother. “She said, 'The war has begun. ' We couldn't believe that Russia took that step and started the war. We were in shock.”

Shevchenko, the top scorer in the history of the Ukrainian national team with 48 shouts and former coach of the team, was proud of his compatriots: “We are fighting for our choice, for our freedom, for our democracy. When you see people on the street, going unarmed to stop a tank, that's very powerful. We will defend until the end. Russia is not welcome.” In this regard, he continued: “The independence of Ukraine is only 30 years old. When I started playing football, it was just when we became independent. From day one until now, I have always been proud to be Ukrainian, and no one else is going to dictate to us.”

The former Milan footballer, winner of the Golden Ball in 2004, refused to mention Vladimir Putin in the interview: “We have to press. The Russian president, I don't want to say the name of that thing, said it was a 'special operation'. It's not a special operation. It's the slaughter of innocents. It's people surrounded. They are bombed cities.” It was at this point, that the former player emphasized the attacks on civilian targets: “I am the father of four children. We can't stand that. Innocent children are dying. For no reason. That's what I'm working for, to stop this war. This war makes sense.”

At the age of 45, the former goalscorer is a reference in sport in his country and in the world, which is why his opinion on the decision of much of the West to ban the participation of Russian athletes in certain events weighs heavily. “I absolutely agree with getting Russian athletes out of competitions as the war hasn't stopped,” he said.

In this regard, Shevchenko acknowledged that there are millions of Russians who are against war and whose voices must be heard. For this reason, he said that his friends are asked to take to the streets in Moscow to demand a ceasefire. In addition, he thanked the support of much of the world with his donations and opening the doors to Ukrainians who are forced to leave their homes.

The former coach of his country's national team ensured that he had constant dialogue with Ukrainian footballers who play in the major leagues in Europe. He asked them to continue their careers so that the flag of their nation continues to fly around the world and continue to be talked about. “The world of sports is very united. It's against war. (Oleksandr) Zinchenko, (Vitaliy) Mykolenko, Yarmolenko, (Roman) Yaremchuk, it is very important that the boys continue to play. I'm calling them, I'm supporting them. We are united. This is the message of my campaign: do your part. Do what you can. Please keep talking about Ukraine. We feel that we are not alone. If you support our athletes, you support us.”

Regarding the sanctions against Chelsea, one of the clubs where he played, he asked that fans of the London squad not fall victim to sanctions, although he said: “I am also in a position where, with what is happening to my country, I want to call on everyone to do their part. Remember the most important thing, I want only one thing: to bring peace to my country, to stop the killing of innocent people, to stop the killing of children.”

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