Defender of London’s Arsenal Oleksandr Zinchenko said in an interview with Polish TV channel Weszło TV that the world must not forget about the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine.
— How do you feel after three years of Russian aggression?
— I feel pain. Pain, because we have lost and continue to lose many lives of Ukrainians. I cannot wait for this to end; I really hope that it will happen very soon. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank the Poles all over the country for the help we receive from you every day. Many Ukrainian refugees live in your country, and I know how you help us. I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart because without this help, it would be much, much harder.
This war has changed us all. The worst thing is when you lose someone from your family, friends, or surroundings. That is the worst thing one can imagine. Many people have lost their homes, jobs, and other things. This war has devastated Ukraine.
— How do you, as a famous footballer, see your role in this war?
— I am often asked this, and my answer is always the same. I believe that every Ukrainian must understand and realize their role in this war. I am convinced that my duty, and that of every footballer playing abroad, is not only to help by sending things or money but also to talk about it as much as possible. This is very important because some people, even now in Europe, unfortunately, are starting to forget that the war is still ongoing. Perhaps they are just tired of it.
Even now, in recent days, some players or coaching staff members ask: "What is the situation in Ukraine, and is the war still ongoing?". When you hear such questions, it seems that people are indeed getting bored with this topic. But I do not blame anyone. One of my duties is to remind the world that the war is still ongoing. People are still dying. And we must end this war as soon as possible.
— Do you feel that your words resonate when you publicly talk about the war?
— Honestly, I do not consider myself the best speaker. I have never been prepared to talk about such things, like all of us. Unfortunately, I had to take on this role. And every time I have the opportunity, even when writing a book, I need to talk about it. I need to remind people what is really happening. And I feel ashamed every time I ask for help, for donations. But, listen, we have no choice. Only by being together, being united, can we survive this war.
— Do you see any possibility of Russia returning to international or club football?
— Right now, that is something that is not even in my head. I do not know what will happen in the future. I have a clear position on this country. I have said it many times, but I do not know; I am not the one who makes the decisions.
— Gianni Infantino says he is waiting for peace, and then Russia will return to play.
— I do not know what to say. I am not one of those whose words will change anything. We must first end this war, because people are still dying.
— Do you think this is even possible in the near future?
— I hope for that. I pray hard for it. And I sincerely believe that this will end very, very soon.
— What needs to happen for peace to come?
— Well, if I only knew the answer to this question, the war would have already ended. It is obvious and clear who invaded our territory, who is acting aggressively, and who is killing our people. We did not invite them. Why are they doing this? I do not know. They can say whatever they want, but in my mind, after three years, I still do not understand this.
Translation and stylistic adaptation — Dynamo.kiev.ua, with the use of material the hyperlink is mandatory!
