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Los Angeles (AFP) – Alex Len and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, the only two Ukrainian NBA players, “condemned” in a statement on Friday the Russian offensive launched the day before in their country.
“A great tragedy has taken place in our dear homeland Ukraine,” the two Sacramento and Toronto players said on social media, while “categorically condemning the war”.
“Ukraine is a peaceful sovereign state inhabited by people who want to decide their own destiny,” they added.
“We hope that this terrible war will end as soon as possible. Dear Ukrainian compatriots, hold on! Our strength is in unity! We are with you!”
Other Ukrainian sportspeople, including Manchester City footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko and tennis player Elina Svitolina Monfils, spoke on Thursday.
On the sidelines of the ATP tournament in Acapulco, Russian Daniil Medvedev admitted to having “woken up with a lot of emotions” when discussing the situation, while Rafael Nadal lamented “dark news”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday evening that at least 137 people had been killed after the first day of fighting. New fighting was underway on Friday morning, particularly in northern Kiev.
© 2022 AFP
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/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/larazon/CHUIY3FMF5DGBDVNQ2PHIWSFLY.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 "Cristiano Ronaldo sets a date for his retirement")