Brazilian players from Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv have appealed to their government for an immediate evacuation from war-torn Ukraine.
In a video alongside their families from a hotel in Kyiv, Junior Moraes, who plays as a forward for Donetsk, says the the group are gathered waiting for a plan to leave the capital.
The 34-year-old goes on to state that the situation is "one of despair" after Russia launched an invasion of the country.
Moraes says in the social media appeal via journalist Arthur Quezada: "The situation is one of despair. I ask you to disclose this video so that it reaches the [Brazilian] government.
"Borders are closed, banks [are shut], there is no fuel, there will be a shortage of food, there is no money. We are gathered waiting for a plan to leave Ukraine."
Advert
Moraes also posted a statement on his official Instagram page, saying: "All friends and family, the situation is serious and we are stuck in Kiev waiting for a solution to get out. We are inside a hotel. Pray for us."
In total, there are 12 Brazilian players in the Shakhtar squad, including former Ajax winger David Neres, who joined the Ukrainian Premier League in January.
Dodo, Vitao, Marlon, Ismaily, Vinicius Tobias and Maycon play in Roberto De Zerbi's squad alongside Marcos Antonio, Tete, Alan Patrick, Pedrinho and Fernando.
Vitinho, a forward who plays for Dynamo Kyiv, is also present in the above video.
Earlier today, Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko said he hopes Vladimir Putin has “the most painful suffering death” after the Russian president pressed forward with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
According to the Daily Mail, Ukraine international Zinchenko posted a picture of Putin to his Instagram story, alongside the caption: “I hope you die the most painful suffering death, creature.”
It has since been taken down, with Zinchenko claiming that Instagram has deleted the story.
In a televised declaration of war in the early hours, Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a "specialised military operation" in Ukraine's Donbas region.
He also warned the international community of “consequences greater than any you have faced in history” over any attempted interference.
According to the BBC, at least seven people are known to have been killed in Russian attacks, while another 19 are missing.
Topics: Shakhtar Donetsk
Jack Kenmare