Shakhtar Donetsk Aims to Inspire Ukraine Amidst Conflict in Conference League Semis
Shakhtar Donetsk's sporting director Darijo Srna anticipates that every television in war-torn Ukraine will be tuned in for their Conference League semi-final against Crystal Palace on Thursday evening. The match at Krakow’s Synerise Arena marks a poignant moment as it coincides with the 12th anniversary of Shakhtar's last game at the Donbas Arena, shortly after pro-Russian separatists seized parts of the region. Since February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion, Shakhtar's young squad has transformed into symbols of hope, using their European journey to raise awareness of their homeland's struggles. “I think the whole of Ukraine will watch our game because it’s something positive in our country,” Srna stated. He emphasized their commitment to delivering a performance that uplifts the spirits of Ukrainian citizens and soldiers alike: “Our players will give their best for 90 minutes to show some positive emotion to our country.” “We can promise we can fight until the end, for Shakhtar, for Ukrainian fans, and for all Ukrainian citizens.” Serhii Palkin, Shakhtar's chief executive, highlighted the impact of the invasion, noting that approximately 11,000 professional footballers left Ukraine, including many from their academy. In 2023, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld FIFA's decision allowing players to suspend contracts with Ukrainian and Russian clubs, extending until the end of June. Shakhtar's appeal for 50 million euros in compensation was dismissed. Palkin detailed the logistical challenges faced by the team, who currently play their home matches in Arena Lviv. They endured an 18-hour journey for their round-of-16 clash in Krakow, while opponents made the trip in 45 minutes. He expressed skepticism about how even top coaches could manage such adversity: “Believe me, it’s just mentality.” Palkin also reflected on the global perception of Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts, asserting, “When we are playing in Europe, at all times we are trying to mention what’s going on in Ukraine.” He stressed the urgency for peace, stating, “We need to conclude peace as soon as possible, but fair peace.”
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-04-28