Ukraine's poignant message in an emotional video as Euro 2024 kickoff nears
1:13 PM EDT, June 14, 2024
Before the start of Euro 2024, the Ukrainian national team issued an important message. In a video published by "The Guardian," the players explained that through their game, they want to fight for freedom for Ukraine, which has been struggling against the Russian aggressor for two years.
The soccer excitement related to Euro 2024 is beginning. On the first day of the tournament, the official opening ceremony will take place, inaugurating the competition in the German stadiums.
Before the start of the tournament, the Ukrainian national team released an emotional video related to Euro 2024. The recording features 13 players, each from cities affected by the Russian invasion or occupation. This highlights the dramatic background they have to face. The video is complemented by photos of ruins and buildings destroyed by Russian soldiers.
Ukrainian soccer players with an important appeal before Euro
In the video published by "The Guardian," you can see Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid and Mykhaylo Mudryk from Chelsea, among others. Both are from Krasnohrad in the Kharkiv region, which the Russian army has constantly shelled since the beginning of the war.
"Since the beginning of the full-scale war, my city has been bombarded with missiles day and night. Despite this, my family remains in Krasnograd. My parents continue to build their lives there and always believe in the victory of Ukraine," said Mudryk.
The recording also features Oleksandr Zinchenko from Radomyshl in the Zhytomyr region, who plays for Arsenal. Ilya Zabarnyi from Kyiv, a central defender for Bournemouth, also speaks. Meanwhile, Mykola Shaparenko said that Russia had completely destroyed his hometown village, Velyka Novosilka.
Euro 2024 in the shadow of the war in Ukraine
The video shows how soccer players from Ukraine remain connected to their hometowns. Each of them emphasizes their determination and belief in a better future for their country, while also conveying a message of hope and the unyielding spirit of the Ukrainian nation.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine began more than two years ago - in February 2022. Since then, the country has been constantly struggling with brutal attacks and occupation, leading to significant destruction and immense suffering of the civilian population.
The Euro 2024 tournament begins on Friday, June 14, at 3:00 PM. It will feature 24 teams, who will compete for the title of European soccer champion until July 14.
