Russia and Dynamo Moscow striker Fedor Smolov has expressed his opposition to the country's invasion of Ukraine by writing 'no war' on Instagram.
Vladimir Putin sent shockwaves rippling through Europe on Thursday morning when he ordered Russian troops to launch an all-out war on Ukraine, which swiftly resulted in tanks rolling across the border, helicopters swarming the skies and missiles raining down on their neighbour country.
Cruise missiles, guided bombs and GRAD rockets took out targets from east to west, with airfields, military bases, ammo dumps, and command posts - including in the capital - all coming under fire.
The death toll so far is still unclear, as one Ukrainian official said 'hundreds' had been killed in the early clashes, while another estimated a figure of 40.
Nevertheless, Russia's actions in Ukraine risk sparking the bloodiest conflict Europe has seen since the Second World War.
Manchester City and Ukraine star Oleksandr Zinchenko was the first high-profile footballer to speak out on the invasion. In a now-deleted Instagram story, Zinchenko posted a photo of Putin and wrote: 'I hope you die the most painful suffering death, creature'.
Now Smolov has become the first Russian player to comment on the situation, taking to Instagram himself to condemn his country's move on Thursday.
The striker, who has earned 45 caps for Russia in his career, posted a black square and wrote the caption: 'No war' along with a broken-heart emoji and the Ukraine flag.
Russia's decision to attack Ukraine has rocked Europe to its core, and UEFA are now set to moved this year's Champions League final from St Petersburg in the wake of Thursday's invasion.
European football's governing body are expected to make the call after arranging an emergency meeting for Friday, with three London venues - Wembley Stadium, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and West Ham's London Stadium - amongst the alternatives.
A UEFA statement read: 'Following the evolution of the situation between Russia and Ukraine in the last 24 hours, the UEFA President has decided to call an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee for Friday 25 February at 10:00 CET, in order to evaluate the situation and take all necessary decisions.'
UEFA is also facing increased calls to drop their £33million-a-year sponsorship deal with the majority state-owned Russian energy provider Gazprom, who sponsor the Nations League and European Championship.
All members of their executive committee have been invited to the meeting, including Zenit St Petersburg president and Gazprom chief executive Alexander Dyukov.
yiednsuz
529
when America and ISREAL INVADING AND KILLING INNOCENT CHILDREN NO CONCERNED. HYPOCRITE
Ayoobjr
327
when Israel invade Palestine these media be like im sleeping
ElpicoCommanda
253
I'm not Russian nor Ukrainian but I understand the situation of both is caused by the west and the US. NATO which is a USA instrument wants Ukraine to join but Russia refuses. Ukraine is independent can make it's own decision which is understandable but also Russia's claim is also understandable. Why would you join an organization that has labeled your neighbor as it's enemy. Putin says that it should be resolved between the two countries and not any nato member since they are not part of it. since Ukrainian president is going Biden this Biden that that has angered Putin and say no we can't allow our neighbor to be controlled like that and threatening our territories. I support that war is no solution to this problem and Ukrainian president should negotiate with president putin immediately to avoid countless death rather than trying to persuade citizens to take arms and fight. That's my honest opinion about this
ezeblast
203
The war happening in Africa country they don't see it, and talk about it in there News, especially Nigeria. the everyday killing ,bombing, by politicians, police and government they don't see it, they are waiting for citizens to pick weapons to fight back, just like Ukraine. now that thy are calling for help and rescue they won't listen. Ecowas, UK, America, they are all pretending as if they don't see what's going on the world. but when the fight start they will be talking about peace. Wicked people. They only interested in what they benefit from this country.
boyrobby
10