2 Ukrainian footballers killed in Russia-Ukraine war

Two Ukrainian football players were killed in the Russia-Ukraine war, said World Players’ Union (FIFPRO).

The two killed Ukrainian football players were – Vitalii Sapylo, 21, and Dmytro Martynenko, 25, reports Anadolu Agency.

FIFPRO tweeted on Tuesday: “Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and teammates of young Ukrainian footballers Vitalii Sapylo (21) and Dmytro Martynenko (25), football’s first reported losses in this war.”

Sapylo, a former Karpaty Lviv youth player, was killed in conflict near Kyiv, his club confirmed on February 26. Martynenko, an FC Gostomel midfielder, was reported to be killed “alongside his mother” in their apartment when the building was bombed by the Russian army, Anadolu Agency said. 

FIFPRO also offered condolences.

Russia began its war on Ukraine on February 24, resulting in killing at least 136 civilians, including 13 children. Besides, around 400 others have been injured, including 26 children.   

The nationwide assault has led to nearly 680,000 people fleeing Ukraine for neighboring countries, according to the United Nations (UN).

Russia intensified its aerial and artillery bombardment this week, particularly on the capital Kyiv and Ukraine’s second-largest city Kharkiv, where a massive explosion rocked Freedom Square.

Source: Anadolu Agency