The desperate call for help from the hotel in Kiev
Russian invasion of Ukraine ‘a deep historic turning point’
NRW Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst has sharply condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin is fighting the Ukrainians’ right to self-determination “with brute military force”. The “full potential of sanctions” must be put into effect.
Shakhtar Donetsk has as many Brazilians as Ukrainians. After the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Brazilian pros ask for help in a desperate video. They just want out. The trainer describes dramatic scenes.
IThere are twelve Brazilians in the Shakhtar Donetsk squad. For years they have been the guarantors of success for the Ukrainian series champion, who also regularly plays in the Champions League.
Actually, they should play again this weekend after the winter break of more than two months. In the championship next Saturday, the opponent would have been Metalist Kharkiv. But because of the Russian invasion, league operations in Ukraine have been suspended for the time being.
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The players fear for their lives. Shakhtar’s Brazilians have gathered at a hotel in the Ukrainian capital along with their families and compatriots who play for Dynamo Kyiv. In a joint video, they send a desperate call for help via Twitter. David Neres, who joined Ukraine from Ajax Amsterdam last January, spoke up: “We are desperate. We ask that you spread this video so that it reaches the Brazilian government.”
The 24-year-old continued: “Borders are closed, banks are closed, there is no fuel, there will be a shortage of food, there will be no money. We have gathered here to leave Ukraine. The situation is serious. Pray for us,” says Neres.
“Tonight the explosions woke us up.”
Shakhtar’s Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi is also staying in Ukraine. “The Italian embassy told us to leave, but as a sportsman I couldn’t turn my back on the club and football,” the Italian told Italpress news agency on Thursday.
According to his own statements, the 42-year-old from Brescia is in a hotel. “It’s a bad day,” he said, adding: “Tonight the explosions woke us up.” De Zerbi doesn’t think he’s in danger, at least not at the moment.
