Former Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko said he would use his platform to tell the world the truth about Russia’s invasion of his country and step up humanitarian aid efforts for victims of the crisis.
Andriy Shevchenko steps up relief efforts for Ukrainian war victims (Andriy Shevchenko’s twitter)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Andriy Shevchenko steps up measures for the victims of the Ukraine crisis
- Shevchenko plans to welcome two refugee families to his home in Surrey
- Shevchenko launched a campaign called Play Your Part for Ukraine
Former Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko has announced he will step up relief efforts while insisting his job is to prevent innocent children from being killed. Shevchenko said he was in shock for the first two days of the invasion, which Moscow described as a “military special operation.”
“But I soon started thinking about how best to help my country. I decided the best way was to use my platform, raise my voice, tell people the truth about what’s going on, and collect humanitarian aid,” Shevchenko told the Times newspaper.
Shevchenko told the Times he plans to welcome two Ukrainian refugee families to his home in Surrey.
“I have the ability and capacity to have people in my house, so why wouldn’t I? These are people who have nothing, and the world needs to help – now,” said the 45-year-old.
“The response from around the world has been fantastic, but the situation is getting worse. More and more people are dying, so we all need to do more, and we need to do it now.”
Support the millions of innocent people caught up in the Ukrainian conflict, by joining me and playing your part for Ukraine to help end the humanitarian crisis unfolding across Europe. Follow on Instagram, head to this link and donate now: https://t.co/LpX6P1WzvN#PlayYourRole pic.twitter.com/m2kf6N6y8a
— Andriy Shevchenko (@jksheva7) March 16, 2022
Thousands of people have been killed in the fighting, while the UN refugee agency says around 10 million people have been displaced by the war.
Shevchenko launched a campaign called “Play your part for Ukraine” which hopes to initially raise £2m ($2.64m) to help those affected. Donations totaled nearly £294,000 on Tuesday.
Shevchenko also praised the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“The President’s response was amazing. He united the nation,” Shevchenko said.
“His is an inspiring message of solidarity and the world’s response has given hope to our people.”
