Arsenal footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko has expressed his willingness to leave the United Kingdom and join the fight in Ukraine if he receives a call-up.
In an interview with BBC Newsnight, the 27-year-old revealed that he has already donated approximately £1m to support his fellow countrymen since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zinchenko emphasized the crucial role Ukraine plays as a “shield” for Europe and urged for increased assistance. In line with this, the country’s president recently signed a bill into law, reducing the military mobilization age from 27 to 25.
This adjustment aims to bolster the nation’s reserves by enabling a larger pool of individuals to be called up.
President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously stated in December that Ukraine would require an additional 500,000 soldiers to be mobilized. In light of this, BBC Newsnight questioned Zinchenko about his willingness to answer such a call-up, even if he deemed it more valuable than continuing his football career in the Premier League.
He expressed his belief that the answer was unequivocal. He mentioned that he would choose to engage in the fight.
Furthermore, he mentioned that he had former classmates who were currently involved in the frontline combat.
“It is difficult to comprehend that not long ago, we were attending the same school, playing together in the playground or on the football field, and now they are tasked with defending our nation,” he stated.
“And, truthfully, it is extremely challenging to come to terms with this reality, but we must accept it. We cannot surrender.”
Mr. Zinchenko acknowledged that the situation in the country is exceedingly difficult, but he and his family take pride in their president.
“I understand that some individuals may believe that it is much easier for me to be here in London rather than being there in Ukraine. I genuinely hope that this war will conclude soon,” he expressed.