The early morning of February 24
would change Ukraine forever, as
Russian fighters launched bombing
and missile strikes across many
cities, and armoured units
crossed the border.
Ukraine, which was part of the
Soviet Union until its collapse in
1991, has been trying for decades to
escape the influence of its aggressive
imperial neighbour. The latest attack
wasapainfulrecurrenceofthe
country’s past.
OnJune 22,1941, Nazi Germany
bombed Kyiv in the early morning.
On that day, a grand reopening of
the refurbished Red Stadium (now the
Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex)
was due to take place in the Ukrainian
capital city centre, with Dynamo Kyiv
involved. Yet instead of a sports
festival, civilians were left sheltering
from bombs dropped on them by
enemy aircrafts.
This time, Russia is the aggressor.
Yet weeks on from the invasion,
Ukraine continues to resist, despite
more than1,000 bombs and cruise
and ballistic missiles causing both
military and civilian fatalities. This has
beenpossible primarily due to the
incredibleheroism and unity of all
citizens of a freedom-loving country.
Like most countries, Ukraine
has a diaspora spread out across
many different parts of the world.
Yet, when the war broke out, more
than 300,000 of them returned
home to protect their parents,
partners and children.
Among them was 56-year-old
Yuriy Vernydub, the Ukrainian head
coach of Sheriff Tiraspol.Just a few
months ago, he had amazed the
entirefootball world with an away
victory overReal Madrid in the
Champions League; now he was
taking his heroism to another level.
His life story is nothing short of
amazing. “We were in Portugal to play
in the Europa League against Braga
on February 23. We had pre-match
training, and the very next morning,
at about 4.30am, my son [Vitaliy
Vernydub, a defender for FC Zorya
Luhansk] called me and said that
Russia had launched a large-scale
attack on Ukraine.
“I was shocked. After the match,
I decided to return to Ukraine. It took
me three days to get to my native
Zaporizhia. On February 26, I was
already at home, spent the night,
and in the morning I went to the
draft board. I made a decision.
This is my choice.”
Vernydub is currently a member
of the artillery brigade of the armed
forces of Ukraine, protecting the sky
from missiles and Russian aircraft.
“What is happening in my country
is just a disaster. I have no words.”
Meanwhile in London, the
legendary Andriy Shevchenko
organised the “Play Your Part for
Ukraine” campaign. The purpose
of the initiative is to raise funds for
the children, women and elderly
who are fleeing the war. In many
cities there is no food, water and
medicine. The target is to raise
£2 million.Oleg Zadernovskyreports
eye
witness
UKRAINEOn the front line