A basketball Legend Speaks Out Against the War in Ukraine
The global sporting community has reacted with force to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. One of the most powerful voices condemning the aggression comes from Arvydas Sabonis, a Lithuanian basketball icon who achieved legendary status playing for Real madrid, in the NBA, and even representing the Soviet Union before its dissolution.
Sabonis, deeply affected by the conflict due to Lithuania’s historical ties and shared suffering with Ukraine, expressed his outrage in a recent interview with Lithuanian media outlet 15min.lt.
“We can never trust these liars again,” he declared, his words laced with anguish. “They talk about peace, about being a country of peace! Where is the peace when they bomb children and innocent people? I am speechless. I have no desire to communicate with them.”
the 57-year-old former player revealed that he had spoken with Alexander volkov, a former ukrainian basketball player who has taken up arms to defend his country. However, he has not communicated with any Russians. “Everyone is distraught,” Sabonis explained.
Citing statistics indicating that 70% of Russians support the war, Sabonis expressed his disbelief, stating, “I hope this number is much lower. Who can truly understand this situation? You can’t change other people’s minds. Russia has shown the world that we cannot trust this country.”
Sabonis firmly believes that Russian clubs should be banned from the euroleague,adding,”It’s hard to say when they will be able to return. The future of this war is uncertain.” He also questioned the possibility of Ukrainians and Russians ever competing together again. “It’s difficult to imagine such a scenario,” he said. “Slavs are killing Slavs. Two Slavs have attacked a Slav. It’s horrific. Brother is killing brother.”
A Slavs Against Slavs: Legendary Center Arvydas Sabonis Speaks on the Ukraine war
The reverberations of the war in Ukraine continue to shake the global community,and the world of sports is no exception. Today, we have the honor of speaking with Lithuanian basketball icon arvydas Sabonis, whose career soared in the NBA, the EuroLeague with Real Madrid, and even on the Soviet National team. Sabonis has been outspoken in his condemnation of the Russian invasion, and his words carry the weight of history and personal connection.
Welcome, Arvydas. Thank you for joining us today. I know this is a deeply emotional subject for you, given Lithuania’s shared history with Ukraine.
sabonis: It’s an honor to be here. This situation is heartbreaking. We Lithuanians know the pain of oppression, the fear of invasion. To see it happening again, so close to home, it pains me deeply.
Your recent comments about the Russian people, calling them “liars”, have certainly sparked debate.Can you elaborate on your stance?
Sabonis: Look, I’m angry. How can you talk about peace while bombing innocent civilians,including children? I’ve spoken with Alexander Volkov,a former Ukrainian player who is now fighting for his country. He’s witnessing untold horrors.
Do you think it’s fair to label all Russians as supporters of this war? Statistics suggest a majority in Russia endorse the invasion.
Sabonis: It’s a complex issue. I hope those numbers are lower than they appear. But when a government wields the kind of propaganda machine that Russia does, it’s difficult to discern true public opinion.
You’ve called for a ban on Russian clubs from the EuroLeague. Some argue that punishing athletes for their government’s actions is unjust. What’s your response to that?
Sabonis: This isn’t about punishing athletes; it’s about sending a strong message. When a nation commits such atrocities, there must be consequences. Allowing their teams to compete as if nothing is happening is simply wrong.
Do you see a future where Ukrainian and Russian athletes can compete together again?
Sabonis: Honestly, it’s hard to imagine right now. “Slavs killing Slavs,” as I’ve said before. Brother against brother. The wound is too deep.It will take meaningful time and genuine remorse for any reconciliation to be possible.
Arvydas, thank you for your candor and for shedding light on this deeply personal and complex issue.
This conversation is far from over. We urge our readers to share their thoughts and opinions in the comments. What are your feelings on Sabonis’ statements? How do you believe the sporting world should respond to the war in Ukraine? Let’s continue the dialogue.
