“I’ll be honest, if not for my daughter, my family, I would be there. I’m just born like that. I know the people from my country, the mentality of them, and all of them, they think exactly the same. I’m so proud to be Ukrainian, and I will be forever for the rest of my life. And when you’re watching the people, how they fight for their lives. I know the people, the mentality of my people from my country, they prefer to die, and they will die. But they’re not going to give [up].”

SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP READING

---

Start for $0 & enjoy free unlimited access for 30 days.

• Daily TV listings for U.S. and global soccer.
• Inside access to USA’s 2026 World Cup prep.
• Exclusive interviews with players and coaches.
• Expert analysis of top soccer headlines.
• Cancel anytime.

Start Free Trial

Already have an account? Sign in here.

---

CHECK OUT MORE STORIES

MLS players hail from 78 countries

Real Madrid hoping Champions League magic halts Bayern juggernaut

Simon Kuper’s ‘World Cup Fever’: A considered and personal reflection of the tournament’s evolution

Sputtering Arsenal faces test of character in Sporting clash

Battery breaches Louisville fortress

Folarin Balogun goes for it

MLS: LAFC and Nashville SC head into Champions Cup play with conference leads

David Beckham: Miami stadium opening is ‘a dream come true’

Union captures Gordon Jago Super Group at Dallas Cup

USMNT World Cup Hopefuls: ‘Balogoal’ streak continues with golazo; Diego Luna scores his first goal of 2026

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

• SOCCER AMERICA TODAY NEWSLETTER Daily free newsletter featuring top soccer headlines.
• WORLD CUP WATCH NEWSLETTER Follow the world’s greatest sporting event as it returns to the United States in 2026.
• SPECIAL OFFERS Special offers on gear and soccer services, promotions of upcoming tournaments, events, and games from our trusted partners.

Email Address Sign up

Already have an account? Sign in here.