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Raptors' Svi Mykhailiuk speaks out against war in his native Ukraine

Rob Williams
Rob Williams
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Feb 24 2022, 11:11 pm
Raptors' Svi Mykhailiuk speaks out against war in his native Ukraine
Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

While Svi Mykhailiuk competes in the NBA for the Toronto Raptors, his mind is somewhere else right now.

How could it not?

Mykhailiuk is thinking about his friends, family, and countrymen back in Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia this week.

The 24-year-old is one of two current NBA players from Ukraine, along with former Raptors centre Alex Len, who now plays for the Sacramento Kings.

Mykhailiuk and Len have released a joint statement condemning the war in their homeland, saying that Ukraine is a “peaceful, sovereign state inhabited by people who want to decide their own destiny.”

Mykhailiuk posted a statement on social media with a caption in Ukrainian, which translates to “no war.”

“A great tragedy befell our dear homeland Ukraine,” reads the statement. “We categorically condemn the war. Ukraine is a peaceful, sovereign state inhabited by people who want to decide their own destiny. We pray for our families, friends, relatives and all the people who are in the territory of Ukraine.

“We hope for an end to this terrible war as soon as possible. Dear fellow Ukrainians, hold on! Our strength is in unity! We are with you!”

Basketball fans have responded in great numbers, offering their support for the two players and Ukraine.

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