In a recent interview with TalkTV host Piers Morgan, Oleksandr Zinchenko has called for the banning of Russian and Belarusian athletes from top-level sports. The Arsenal full-back has been

using his platform to raise awareness and support for his homeland, Ukraine, in the wake of the invasion that took place in February 2022.

Zinchenko expressed how he initially felt "lost" in the first few weeks of the invasion, struggling to comprehend the events unfolding. As a football player based abroad, he found it challenging to be far away from home while witnessing the alarming developments. Throughout the subsequent months, Zinchenko has been a symbol of support for Ukraine within the Premier League, displaying the Ukrainian flag and delivering passionate speeches.

During the interview, Zinchenko expressed his disappointment with the lack of response from Russian and Belarusian athletes. He emphasized that he would not shake their hands and called for their exclusion from sports. He criticized their silence, stating that athletes with millions of followers should use their platform to speak out against the invasion. Zinchenko firmly believes that those who remain silent due to fear should not be considered as brothers.

The Arsenal defender also questioned the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian players to participate in tournaments such as Wimbledon, pointing out the bombings and rockets sent from Belarus. When asked if he would join the war in Ukraine if asked, Zinchenko acknowledged that there may come a time when everyone is called upon to take action. While he currently believes he can be more helpful from his position, he expressed his unwavering commitment to the cause and refused to hide from the conflict.

Zinchenko concluded the interview by sending a message to the world, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance in the fight against the terrorist invasion. He urged everyone to continue pushing forward and standing together in support of Ukraine.

Recently, Zinchenko also shared his experiences during his return to Ukraine with Mail Sport's Sami Mokbel, further highlighting his dedication to raising awareness about the ongoing situation. Photo by @cfcunofficial (Chelsea Debs) London from London, UK, Wikimedia commons.