The footballer pledges to fight for his homeland amid the conflict, contributing £1m to Ukrainian support

Arsenal player Oleksandr Zinchenko commits to defending Ukraine if summoned. The 27-year-old shared with BBC Newsnight his support for his country since the 2021 invasion by Russia. He emphasized Ukraine’s role as Europe’s shield and called for increased assistance.

The Ukrainian government recently reduced the military mobilization age to enhance its forces. This follows President Zelensky’s announcement of needing additional soldiers. Zinchenko expressed his readiness to fight, highlighting the difficulty of accepting his peers’ current frontline roles.

Zinchenko reflects on his past connections in Russia, stating a cut-off since the conflict began. He stressed the change in relationships between Ukrainians and Russians, vowing to remember the harm done. His financial contributions to Ukraine surpass £1 million, aimed at aiding war-impacted families and children.

The footballer proudly speaks of his Ukrainian identity and hopes for an end to the war. His story exemplifies the diaspora’s support for their homeland amidst crisis. Zinchenko’s interview underlines the personal impacts of the conflict on individuals worldwide