Many Ukrainian athletes are defending their Homeland, while more than 50 of them have already died in the war Russia is waging against Ukraine.
This was stated by Minister of Youth and Sports Vadym Huttsait, who spoke at the UA Together telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“More than 50 Ukrainian athletes died in the war while defending our land. These are all our guys who played different sports. There are still many athletes who currently serve with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, some of them – in the territorial defense units. We thank all fighters defending our country,” Huttsait said.
The minister noted that thanks to the Army, Ukrainian athletes can still practice ahead of various competitions.
“Currently, there is practically no opportunity left in Ukraine for training in most sports, which is our priority. That’s for the athletes and national teams that are preparing for the World and European Championships, as well as the Olympics, which will be held in Paris in 2024. Some are training in Ukraine at our Olympic bases, but many are now abroad. There is a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers, which stipulates that national teams and high-ranking athletes, as well as coaches, doctors, and masseurs may obtain permission to cross out of the country to practice for and participate in competitions,” the minister added.
As reported, on February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the beginning of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces have been shelling and destroying key infrastructure facilities and residential areas of Ukrainian cities and villages, using artillery, multiple rocket launch systems, and ballistic missiles.
In the temporarily occupied territories, the invaders subject civilians to mass terror.
Martial law has been imposed in Ukraine.
