Ukrainian soldiers kick a ball with local children when news meets them in a village on the front line in Ukraine. Sport is a pleasant break for small and large in a war every day, almost two years and four months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. – Sport helps us deal with the psychological stress we face. We attract young people, a young generation. It’s very interesting, we have a lot of fun. In any case, we raise the will to fight a little, says 35-year-old Max to news. In addition to playing football, Max and the other soldiers follow the EC as much as possible: – If we are not in action, we will of course follow via Starlink, and cheer, cheer, cheer. If we are on duty, we will listen on the radio and our brothers will tell us who won. MOTIVATED: Max is inspired by the European Championship participation of the national team, and wants to get as much as possible from the championship. Photo: Frode Fjerdingstad / news Starlink is a satellite-based internet service from the space company SpaceX, which is owned by Elon Musk. It was made available to Ukraine shortly after the invasion in 2022, to ensure communication between Ukrainian troops. – Like everyone else, we want to see the broadcasts. In the interview with news, Chechen, Max’s fellow soldier, thanks Elon Musk for allowing them to watch the EC and be on the internet. – We have many streaming services where we can watch football matches, so I don’t think this is a big problem now. The only problem may be electricity, but in this region where I am, it is very rarely switched off, says Chechen. The soldier Artur emphasizes that they would most prefer to watch the battles at home with family and friends. – It won’t work now, since we are defending our motherland. If there is an opportunity to see the broadcasts, we, like everyone else, want to see them, adds Artur. STARLINK: With the help of a satellite signal, the soldiers can follow the European Football Championship between the games. Photo: Frode Fjerdingstad / news They see the national team as a great source of inspiration. – We are at war, and that motivates us who are on the battlefield directly. It inspires, encourages and empowers you. That’s why we know it will be a victory, says Artur. Max hopes that the effort on the field will rub off on the national team players: – In the same way that they inspire us with their victories, we will inspire them with our team spirit. CONTRAST: Artur shoots down Russian drones, while the Ukrainian national team players shoot the ball into the goal. Photo: Frode Fjerdingstad / news Cheering each other on Much suggests that the efforts of Max, Chechen, Artur and their fellow soldiers have already motivated the players who are fighting for honor and glory in Germany. On Monday, the Ukrainian Football Association published a video on its social media with the text “Our cities would love to host the European Championships, but they are fighting for freedom”. 13 national team players are in the video which highlights the devastation the war has inflicted on their hometowns. During the press conference before the match against Romania, coach Serhij Rebrov also underlined the seriousness of the situation at home: PROUD: Ukraine’s national team coach Serhij Rebrov holds his chest while singing the national anthem before the opening match in the EC. Photo: AFP – It’s very emotional. It is very good and important for Ukraine to be here in the EC. All Ukrainians want to be a European nation. Football is of course not the first priority in Ukraine now. Many people and many children have died, says Rebrov and adds: – We are very grateful for our warriors, soldiers, for our supporters. Because it is a very difficult time in Ukraine. In every interview, I want to remind people that our war is still going on. We will continue to fight for our freedom. Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zintchenko has also been vocal about the war in the press. In an interview with German ZDF, he talked about how the national team is motivated by the soldiers, such as Max, Chechen and Artur. – Those who fight at the front for our freedom and independence risk their lives every day. They also have family and friends. For them it is super difficult, for us it is of course extra motivation. We all know who is behind us. We must therefore be at our best, said the 27-year-old. VOCAL: After the loss against Romania, Zintchenko said he was embarrassed in front of the fans, and promised to perform better in the next game. Photo: Reuters – Like turning off a switch – Zintchenko helps both materially and in other ways. Football is a sport where people have the opportunity to devote their attention to more than the sport. He has clarified what is happening in our country now, and therefore I think he is a good person and citizen, says Artur. In a wooded area at the front, he shot down Russian drones. He and his fellow soldiers are hoping for calm days during the EC, so they can follow their football stars. Under camouflage netting lies the sharpshooter Djadja. – I protect myself from FPV drones, he explains. SHARPSHOOTER: “Uncle” Djadja hopes that the joy of sport will also rub off on the politicians. Photo: Frode Fjerdingstad / news It goes without saying that it is not always easy to follow sporting events from here. – I used to play football, and enjoy all kinds of sports, such as boxing, volleyball, rowing and athletics, but it’s not so easy for me to keep up with it now. Now it’s more about weapons and positioning. Therefore, we don’t have enough time to follow along, but the joy is great when I get to see some matches, or goals in replays, smiles Djadja, who is called “uncle” by his fellow soldiers. He says that Ukraine’s EC participation has lifted spirits. – Watching a football match is like turning off a switch and I can breathe. I can feel the joy of sports … and the frustration of sports, jokes the sharpshooter. On Monday, Ukraine lost against Romania. On Friday, they are looking for their first EC victory against Slovakia, the neighboring country that does not contribute weapons to Ukraine. “Uncle” believes and hopes that football can have positive, political ripple effects: – When politicians are in a good mood and watch sports together, they can sit and enjoy themselves, relax and drink beer together. Then they can more easily agree on something. Nine-year-old Vova is among the local children who play football with the soldiers. He is convinced that Ukraine will make a mark in the EC. – Ukraine will win, he says determinedly. SAYS: Vova is confident on the field and in danger of Ukrainian triumph in the EC. Photo: Frode Fjerdingstad / news Published 21.06.2024, at 09.39
ttn-69
Soldiers pay tribute to the Ukrainian stars – follow the European Championship with this one – Football European Championship 2024
