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    Arsenal star Zinchenko says he will fight in Ukraine if he’s called up & reveals school pals are battling Putin’s forces

    ARSENAL star Oleksandr Zinchenko has revealed he would leave the UK to fight in Ukraine if he was ever called up by his country.The footballer, 27, said his school pals are already battling Vladimir Putin’s forces as Ukraine has become a “shield” for Europe.Oleksandr Zinchenko said he will take up arms if he was called to fight in UkraineCredit: BBCNewsnightThe footballer spoke with BBC Newsnight about the invasion of his home countryCredit: BBCNewsnightZinchenko went on to call ‘super tough’ Ukraine a ‘shield’ for EuropeCredit: BBCNewsnightThe Arsenal ace said his former school friends are fighting on the frontlineCredit: GettyThe Arsenal defender told BBC Newsnight if he would take up arms and if that’s more valuable than continuing to play in the Premier League.Adamantly, Zinchenko said: “I think it’s a clear answer. I would go [to fight].”On Wednesday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed legislation that reduced the military mobilisation age from 27 to 25.This would allow the government to call up more individuals to refill its reserves, after the President’s announcement in December that the country would require 500,000 additional troops to be mobilised.Read more on ZinchenkoI really hope that this war will end soon.Oleksandr ZinchenkofootballerZinchenko added that his former school pals are fighting Putin’s troops on the frontline.”It’s tough to understand that just recently we’ve been in the same school, we were playing in the playground or on the football pitch, and now they have to defend our country,” he said.”And, honestly, [it’s] so hard to accept this, but it is what it is. We cannot give up.”The Arsenal ace went on to call Ukraine a “shield” for Europe, saying it was a “super tough nation”.Most read in FootballHe said: “I know maybe some people might think that it’s much easier … for me being here [in London] rather than being there [in Ukraine].”I really hope that this war will end soon.”Man City star Oleksandr Zinchenko breaks down in tears over Ukraine after winning Prem titleOleksandr Zinchenko and Andriy Shevchenko (right) pictured with Ukrainian president Volodymyr ZelenskyyCredit: AFPZinchenko said he and his family were ‘proud of our president’Credit: Instagram @u24.gov.uaZinchenko and Shevchenko at the destroyed school during their trip to UkraineHe also said he and his family were “proud of our president”.Zinchenko, who kick-started his football career with Russian team Ufa in 2016, said he no longer talks to his friends or former teammates in Russia.”Since the invasion really few [have] texted me and sent me some messages and I can’t blame them because this is not their fault,” he said.”I cannot tell them, ‘Guys, do the protests outside and all these things’, because I know they can be [put] in prison.”The footballer explained that Russians used to call Ukrainians their “brothers and sisters”, but the invasion of their country has shown “all of us Ukrainians that we can’t be friends with them anymore”.He said: “We will never forget what they have done to us, to our people.”And that’s what I will teach my kids as well. And my kids will teach their kids. This is not acceptable.”In February, President Zelensky said that 31,000 Ukrainian troops had been slain during Russia’s full-scale invasion, as well as tens of thousands of people in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.Zinchenko donated about £1million to help people in his home country since the start of Putin’s onslaught.He also mentioned that he knows of hundreds of youngsters whose parents died in the battle.The Premier League star said: “What is my duty now? How can I help as much as I can to my country, to my people, over there and all these things?”I can’t be more proud than I am right now to be Ukrainian.”I have a dream that this war will end very, very soon, and we can rebuild our Ukraine like we really want [to].”The Gunners full-back has spoken about the war and the toll it has had on him and his nation as a whole.He previously recalled the harrowing moment Russia began the invasion of his home country.Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, he said: “My wife suddenly woke me up. And she said, ‘It started’. I said ‘What started?’ She was crying, you know, like flooding tears.”I said ‘What’s started, what’s wrong?’ And she showed me the pictures of this invasion.”Discussing his family and friends in Ukraine, he went on to add: “I’m so worried about them. And I’ll tell you what – the mentality of people they don’t want to leave, they don’t want to leave the country, even if they could.”This is their homeland. And I would for sure, after [my] football career, I will be living in Ukraine, that’s for sure. One million percent.”I was there one week ago and as soon as I passed the border it’s just my homeland, my place.”He said: “There will be a time everyone will be there. It will be the last call or something or whatever. It will be a call.”We go, all of us, we go there. Everyone will go. Of course [I would fight]. But at the same time I am thinking I am much more helpful from here at the moment.”But you never know what is going to happen. Maybe this is the last speech we are going to speak to each other. You never know.”And how many people have already been killed by this invasion? I’m not seeing myself hiding somewhere.”Last May, Zinchenko and former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko visited a school devastated by Russian attacks in Ukraine.Zinchenko and Shevchenko – who coached the Ukrainian national team between 2016-2021 – travelled to the Mykhailo-Kotsyubinsky Lyceum in Chernihiv Oblast, northern Ukraine.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe village was under occupation for 33 days from February 27 2022, with around 100 people hiding in the shelter inside the secondary school.A third of them were children, with the youngest only two months old.The Ukrainian player started his football career in Russia but said he no longer speaks to his Russian teammatesCredit: Rex More

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    Euro 2024 terror warning to England fans after ISIS Moscow attack and kamikaze drones raise ‘dangers to new level’

    ENGLAND fans have been warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024.The Islamist attack in Moscow has raised “dangers to a new level”, said German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, just 75 days before kick-off.England fans travelling to Germany to watch Gareth Southgate’s team have been warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe warning comes just 75 days before kick-offCredit: AdidasThe Islamist attack in Moscow has raised ‘dangers to a new level’, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser saidCredit: APMs Faeser added: “We are pooling the forces of the security authorities even more strongly for the Euros and are preparing for all possible dangers.“This is necessary to protect this major international event in the best possible way.“The security of the tournament is paramount.”Her chilling alert came just days after the ISIS-K terrorist atrocity at a concert hall in Moscow killed 143.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong the drastic steps taken to protect Three Lions fans at the tournament in June will be a plan to temporarily close borders and ramp up frontier checks. British police will also be in Germany.A ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, such as skipper Harry Kane and young sensation Jude Bellingham.They will stay at the swish five-star Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain – with Wags and families also protected.Most read in FootballIt comes amid fears of a menacing reaction from Russia after they were banned from taking part in the Euros – and enemy nation Ukraine qualified last week.Author and terrorism expert Neil Doyle said: “Euro 2024 represents a major target for groups looking to mount mass casualty attacks for revenge and global headlines.Inside England’s stunning Euro 2024 hotel with golf course, spa and robot “The use of drones will be a major concern as they have become a new feature of modern warfare, as seen in Ukraine.“Germany as a location in itself is also attractive as it has backed Ukraine with arms and equipment.”Security expert Colonel Richard Kemp, who has worked for the Joint Intelligence Committee and national crisis group Cobra, said: “Russia would like to disrupt this event in some way, such as a cyber attack, and they would hope to embarrass the German government.”As more than half a million UK nationals prepare to be in Germany for the tournament starting in 75 days, Ms Faeser said: “One thing can be said for sure – the dangers have reached a new level.”She added: “The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats.“This ranges from protection against Islamists and other ­potential violent criminals to the security of our networks against cyber attacks.”The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threatsGerman Interior Minister Nancy FaeserAleksander Ceferin, president of tournament organisers Uefa, has spoken of the “world going crazy” and warned: “The biggest concern is security.” Germany will host 23 other nations – including England and Scotland – during the month-long 51-game football showpiece kicking off on June 14.Experts warn both the Russians and Islamists have access to high-tech kamikaze dronesCredit: AFPVladimir Putin runs an army of web warriorsCredit: GettyFar-right Alternative for ­Germany (AfD) is also gaining popularityCredit: RexAfD politician Rene SpringerCredit: Getty’Vital to be safe’Last night, fans were urged to be on high alert for the dangers, with British police being deployed to Germany.A UK government spokesman said: “Football fans all over the country will be looking forward to a summer of football. “We are working with the German police to support a safe and trouble-free tournament. “A UK police delegation will be deployed to Germany during the event and we will also be offering support and advice on how to engage with fans attending from the UK.”Caroline Dinenage, Tory MP and chairwoman of the sports select committee, said:  “Given the safety concerns, it’s vital to be safe, follow the rules, stay vigilant and most of all, have fun.”Referring to Ms Faeser’s warning, Damian Green, Tory MP and former deputy PM, who sits on the sports select committee, said: “This is a disturbing and sobering ­comment for all of us who love ­visiting Germany. “It is always important to listen to local advice about how to stay safe.”Tim Loughton, Tory MP and a member of the Home Affairs select committee, said: “With terrorist threat levels heightened across the world it is a sad reality of modern life that popular international sporting occasions have routinely become targets for attacks by ­fanatical groups who would undermine everything we stand for.”Safety fears centre on gun-carrying Islamists sneaking into Germany among migrants from the Middle East, and Russian agents entering among Ukrainians fleeing the war.Given the safety concerns, it’s vital to be safe, follow the rules, stay vigilant and most of all, have funCaroline Dinenage, Tory MP and chairwoman of the sports select committeeGerman intelligence experts say the biggest threat is an attack from the same ISIS-K group’s gun gangs which slaughtered 143 rock fans in Moscow last weekend.Both the Russians and Islamists have access to high-tech kamikaze drones which could cause mayhem if smuggled into Germany.Unmanned flying drones have added a new dimension to the ­terrorist threat after being used by both sides in the Ukraine war and Islamists of Gaza, Yemen, Iran, Syria and Lebanon.  ‘Danger increases’One of the greatest fears at Euro 2024 is a potentially devastating drone attack on a stadium or large gathering of fans.Drone expert Professor Nicolas Stockhammer warned: “Isis in particular has repeatedly used drones in attacks over the past ten years.“But technology is more readily available today for both kamikaze drones and as drones equipped with explosive charges.“And the danger increases if the attackers succeed in capturing modern military drones such as those being used in the current war zones.”Authorities suspect Russia’s army of cyber hackers are gearing up to cause computer chaos with attacks on stadium lights, transport, ticketing and security systems.The Kremlin’s industrial scale hacking operations look certain to ramp up as Vladimir Putin seethes over Russia’s exclusion from the tournament.Ms Faeser also spoke of her ­concern about the threat posed by far-right groups feared to be graduating from hate crime to terrorism.Neo-Nazi thugs have fired up ­bigotry since Germany absorbed more than two million migrants followed by a million refugees from the war in neighbouring Ukraine.Ms Faeser said: “We thwarted right-wing extremist acts and uncovered a large terrorist network of German citizens.”Far-right Alternative for ­Germany (AfD) is gaining popularity, with politicians such as Rene Springer sitting in the German parliament.Yesterday, the FA said security was a matter for the Foreign Office.We approached Uefa for comment.German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser says: ‘The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats’Credit: GettyA ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, such as Jude BellinghamCredit: Alamy More

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    England new kit 2024: Shirt release date, price and St George’s cross saga

    ENGLAND’S football team has been making headlines recently for a new kit that has been dividing fans.Tory PM Rishi Sunak slammed the new kit, while opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer joined calls for Nike to scrap it entirely. But what is all the fuss about?England captain Harry Kane wearing the new home match day shirtCredit: X/ EnglandNoni Madueke and Jaden Philogene wearing their new kit in the England U21 game against Azerbaijan on March 22Credit: GettySome of England’s footballing legends modelling the new kitCredit: X/ EnglandWhen will England’s Euro 2024 kit be available to buy?As England’s football team gears up for glory at the Euros, the kit they will be wearing on the battlefield has finally been unveiled.Taking to social media to post a picture of the kits, the England account said: “Our England. Our pride. Our family. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿”The men’s collection, which Gareth Southgate’s players will wear at this summer’s Euros, will be released on March 21, while the women’s kits will go on sale in June.England’s men’s team are expected to debut the home kit when they take on Brazil in a friendly on Saturday, before they host Belgium three days later.read more england footballThe Lionesses’ next game is a Euro 2025 qualifier against Sweden at Wembley on April 5.Some fans have been thrilled with the news, hailing the design as an instant classic that is sure to bring football home this year.While others have determined that the new kit is “too woke” and “too expensive”.How much is England’s Euro 2024 kit?Both the men’s and women’s match shirts are retailing at £124.99, while the children’s match top is retailing at a slightly lower £119.Most read in FootballIf fans want something a little cheaper they can opt for the stadium top, which has been priced at £84.99, while the kid’s jersey is £64.99.Kids can also don the full kit for £54.99, while infant kits are currently being priced at £49.England’s Best and Worst KitsIn an exclusive interview with The Sun, Labour’s Keir Starmer blasted the prices, saying that they need to be reduced.He said: “I’m not even sure they can properly explain why they thought they needed to change in the first place.”They could also reduce the price of the shirts.”Why did Nike change the England flag?Fans were quick to notice that the traditional red cross on the Three Lions’ kit has been altered to one with navy, light blue and purple.It is thought to be a nod to the 1966 World Cup winners’ training kit.The change led to some labelling the shirt “woke” as they called on the manufacturer to revert back to the usual colours. Goalkeepers David Seaman and Peter Shilton, as well as former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp have all given the shirt substitution a red card.But according to The Mail, Nike will not succumb to pressure from some England fans.A Nike spokesperson said: “The England 2024 Home kit disrupts history with a modern take on a classic.”The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple.”The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag of St. George on the back of the collar.”It is understood the flag alteration was the work of a Nike designer, but was also signed off by the FA.And the FA insist the decision was made to “honour the classic colour regime of 1966 training gear”.Sir Keir told The Sun that the “flag is used by everybody, it is a unifier, it doesn’t need to be changed”.He said: “We just need to be proud of it. So I think they should just reconsider this and change it back.”There has been some controversy over the changed St George’s flagCredit: PAStarmer slammed the FA and Nike for changing the national kitCredit: Darren FletcherWhich kit will the England team wear?The home kit is the classic white with a blue collar and blue shorts.The second strip is all purple and has received widespread praise from fans.Meanwhile, the keepers will be donning an eye-catching orange jersey.Although some fans have been left baffled by the away kit – arguing that it’s the new “blue and black dress” optical illusion.Why is England’s Euro 2024 kit purple?According to a statement from the England football team, the new match gear has been inspired by old footballing legends.The team said that “the bold purple colour remixes reds and blues from the past.”So, it seems as though the team has decided to mix kits from the past, which have traditionally been either blue or red, to bring the team into the future.Many fans were thrilled with the look of the strips.One said: “So that’s what Kane will look like when he lifts the Euros trophy this summer.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile a second responded: “Omg we’re actually winning it all.”And a third said: “Honestly some of our greatest kits ever.”Who will be wearing the new kit at the Euros?Although the official line-up won’t be announced until May 21, here are some of the legends we expect to see at the Euros:
    The new away kit has combined England’s previous away coloursCredit: https://www.instagram.com/officialfootballfashion/p/C4s5FMHsU1J/?img_index=10Bukayo Saka models the new away kitCredit: X/ EnglandFans can expect to see Harry Maguire donning the new kit at the EurosCredit: Instagram / @england More

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    Man Utd ‘send scouts to watch Ukraine Under-17s captain… but turn attention to team-mate after shining in defence’

    MANCHESTER UNITED sent scouts to watch a Ukrainian wonderkid – but ended up liking the look of his team-mate.United are turning over a new leaf under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and are planning some major changes at the end of the season.Man Utd initially targeted Kyrylo Digtyar but now focus on Demyan TretyakCredit: GettyRatcliffe’s Ineos group is now responsible for all football matters and will be overseeing operations across all of the Red Devils’ teams, including the youth squad.According to Scouts in Attendance, the Manchester giants sent representatives to Greece for an Under-17 tournament.United were initially keen on Ukraine’s 16-year-old centre-back Kyrylo Digtyar, whose club is Metalist Kharkiv.According to Sport.UA, however, the scouts ended up preferring Digtyar’s national team-mate and fellow defender Demyan Tretyak, 16.Read More on Man UtdTretyak plays for Dynamo Kyiv and has become the representatives’ main focus.The centre-back captained Ukraine during Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Slovakia.United have started collecting information about the talented youngster and will continue to monitor him in his next few matches.Tretyak played in all three matches during the mini tournament in Europe.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And he helped Ukraine’s Under-17s win all three matches in the elite round to qualify for the European Championship.United could be set for major changes in defence with Raphael Varane linked with a move away.Amad Diallo removes all reference to Man Utd on social media accountsJonny Evans’ deal also runs out in June while Harry Maguire has been unable to live up to expectations after his £85million arrival in 2019. More

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    I’m an ex-boxing champ dubbed The Razor shooting Russians dead in Ukraine…I was more scared in the ring than I am of war

    AN EX-WORLD champion boxer nicknamed “The Razor” has turned his skill-full hands to the war in Ukraine to fight against Putin’s troops.But for the former light middleweight king Serhiy Dzinziruk, shooting Russians dead is a much easier task than any fight he ever faced in the ring.
    Former champion Serhiy Dzinziruk has fought in the war since Putin invaded and says he was always more scared in the ring than on the frontlinesCredit: Champion
    Dzinziruk was the world champion during his career and had an impressive unbeaten record for over a decadeCredit: Getty
    Dzinziruk (second from left) now fights in Kyiv’s Territorial Defence unitCredit: Champion
    Dzinziruk bravely signed up to Kyiv’s Territorial Defence unit in Ukraine after seeing the horrors of war unfold on his doorstep.
    He was quickly appointed as a unit commander and a reserve officer – a role he thrived in as the fighting ramped up.
    The 47-year-old spoke about his daily wartime routine saying: “We have two machine guns, a searchlight, a night vision device.
    “When the siren starts, we take positions, wait for the shaheds [drones]. Our task is to destroy them. We shoot only our zone at 45 degrees.
    READ MORE IN BRAVE BOXERS
    “We were trained for about a month, we learned to shoot with various weapons. Guys returning from the front for treatment taught us all the basics of military art.”
    After becoming an integral part of his unit, the former world champion is still battling it out against Putin’s troops on the frontlines to this day.
    But his current situation inside cramped trenches sits miles apart from his old life inside the ropes.
    Dzinziruk made it clear that despite the idea of barbaric warfare being a far cry from his usual technically perfect boxing skills, he found one much scarier than the other.
    Most read in Boxing
    He said in an interview with UP-Sport: “I did not take the threat of a full-scale invasion seriously. I did not prepare for this but when I entered the ring, preparation for championship fights lasted two to three months. 
    “There is time to study the opponent, think about the scenario of the upcoming match and get a little excited. In our work, there is no time for that. So I was more worried in the ring.”
    Vitali Klitschko says Kyiv is ‘encircled’ by Russians trying to take capital as ex-boxing champ warns them to ‘go home’
    The best heavyweight of a generation Wladimir Klitschko previously dubbed Dzinziruk “one of the most technical boxers in the world”.
    This expert ability to hit and not get hit by his formidable opponents earned Dzinziruk an impressive 37 wins across his 40-fight career.
    He also earned the nickname of “The Razor” for his unique ability to leave almost all of his opponents with nasty cuts on their face from his lightening fast hands.
    From 1999 all the way through to 2010, Dzinziruk was unbeaten with a perfect 37-0 record.
    He managed to pick up the WBO Inter-Continental, European and then the light middleweight title in this incredible run.
    Dzinziruk even gave Putin a stern warning saying: “For his crimes against millions of Ukrainians, he should die slowly and painfully.”
    When asked which other Ukrainian fighters he would like to fight alongside in the war Dzinziruk listed an impressive five names of former world champions and one current in Oleksandr Usyk.
    His other four were Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko and Andrii Kotelnyk and Yura Nuzhnenko. 
    BOXERS ON THE FRONTLINE
    Oleksandr Usyk – the fearless unbeaten father-of three, followed in the footsteps of Dzinziruk and also enlisted with the Kyiv Territorial Defence when the war first broke out.
    The world champion says he lost friends, was separated from family and even saw people die through binoculars when he helped out.
    He explained: “Through binoculars, from 900 metres, I saw my enemies running, exploding tanks and broken houses. I saw people with no legs and arms.
    “I saw people walking but looking like they were dead.
    “When I was going in the car around the city, I realised it was a dead city. I saw children’s toys and playgrounds but everything looked dead, there was no energy in the city.”
    But perhaps the greatest ex-boxer to enlist for the fight in Ukraine is Wladimir Klitschko.
    Wladimir has refused a boxing comeback in recent years as he pledged to fight on the frontline.
    He enlisted in Ukraine’s reserve army in early February and has publicly pleaded with Russia to end the war.
    However his brother Vitali, has done the most for Ukraine since the Russian invasion two-years-ago.
    The former heavyweight ruler, 50, last fought in 2012 and retired a year later to focus on politics.
    The father-of-three who married wife Natalie in 1996, has been the mayor of Kyiv since 2014.
    And as a result, it left the ex-boxer ‘no choice’ but to take up arms.
    He told ITV: “I don’t have another choice. I have to do that. I will be fighting.”
    Masterful southpaw, Vasiliy Lomachenko, 34, is one of the greatest amateur boxers of all time, leaving the unpaid ranks with a record of 396-1 and two Olympic gold medals.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    But he also pledged his loyalty to his nation and decided to keep fighting on the Ukrainian front line instead of box.
    Oleksandr Onyshchenko – part of the country’s national team – died in combat near the besieged city of Bakhmut, last year.
    Dzinziruk says he hopes Putin has a ‘slow and painful death’Credit: Champion
    Dzinziruk with his daughter Nadja after one of his fightsCredit: Getty
    The Ukrainian boxer had the nickname ‘The Razor’Credit: Alamy More

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    Billionaire ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich LOSES bid to overturn sanctions slapped on him ‘for funding Putin’s war’

    RUSSIAN oligarch Roman Abramovich has lost an appeal against the EU’s decision to freeze his funds over links to tyrant Vladimir Putin.The ex-Chelsea FC owner, 57, has been slapped with sanctions from the UK and the EU but has previously denied any financial relationship with despot Putin.
    Russian oligarch and ex-Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: Getty
    The billionaire is a pal of Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin (pictured together)Credit: Alamy
    Abramovich sold Chelsea football club in 2022 as a result of UK sanctions against Russian assets in the countryCredit: Alamy
    Abramovich is one of the richest people in Russia and is one of many powerful players in the country to be sanctioned since Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.
    The EU also rejected his plea for compensation over damage to his reputation for £865,000 in a double blow for the oligarch.
    The ruling said on Wednesday that Abramovich is a majority shareholder in major steel and mining company Evraz, which gives “a substantial source of revenue to the Russian Government”.
    He has, as a result, benefited from decisions made by those in power who are responsible for the brutal conflict in Ukraine.
    READ MORE ON ABRAMOVICH
    Almost 1,800 individuals and entities such as companies or organisations have been slapped with sanctions since Russia invaded Ukraine – beginning with Crimea in 2014.
    Abramovich was appealing against the inclusion of his name in the group of those sanctioned for their activities that finance the Russian government.
    The EU court said today that his inclusion was correct and it does not result in an “unjustified and disproportionate infringement of his fundamental rights”.
    They have targeted banks, companies, markets and the energy sector.
    Most read in Football
    Over 1,000 Russian officials have been subject to asset freezing and travel bans alongside the former Chelsea owner.
    The oligarch, who was accused of supplying steel for Russian tanks, has repeatedly downplayed his relationship with Putin.
    He has challenged suggestions of a close financial relationship or that he has acted on behalf of the Russian president.
    When he sold Chelsea FC in 2022, he said: “I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC.
    “As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart.
    “In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.
    “The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club.”
    The Russian said at the time that his team would set up a charitable foundation, with all proceeds of the sale donated.
    He said: “All money raised will benefit all victims of the war in Ukraine.
    “This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.”
    Read more on The Sun
    Just days ago the Wall Street Journal reported that the billions of pounds pledged to victims of Putin’s war remain frozen in a UK bank account.
    Abravomich also holds Portuguese and Israeli citizenship and Forbes puts his net worth at an estimate of £7.2 billion. More

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    Chelsea legend Shevchenko made advisor to Ukraine war leader Zelensky – while Putin cosies up to ex club boss Abramovich

    CHELSEA legend Andriy Shevchenko has been promoted to an aide to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, while his former Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich gets closer to warmonger Vladimir Putin.The Ukrainian footballer previously said the relationship with his former Chelsea boss would “never be the same again” following Russia’s invasion into his home country.
    The Ukrainian footy legend has been supporting his home country since February 24Credit: Rex
    Abramovich has been by Putin’s side since the war beganCredit: Getty
    Shevchenko is one of many famous Ukrainians now acting in an official capacityCredit: Instagram @u24.gov.ua
    In a written decree, Zelensky’s office said: “Andriy Shevchenko is appointed advisor to the President of Ukraine (out of state).”
    No details have emerged about the nature of his role, but Shevchenko has been outspoken in support for his homeland as it continues to battle off the Russian invasion.
    In May 2022, the Ukrainian footy legend was named an ambassador for Ukraine’s UNITED25 fundraising platform, which has raised millions to aide in the rebuilding of Ukraine.
    Since the invasion began, Shevchenko has focused on carrying out his patriotic duties as he looks for peace and helps his compatriots flee war-torn Ukraine.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    Abramovich, on the other hand, has been slapped with sanctions by the UK government due to his alleged ties with Putin.
    Shevchenko and former boss Abramovich had a “long relationship” in the football world before the conflict between their home countries tore them apart.
    Shevchenko formerly said: “I said from the beginning, I did not believe that this (war) could happen.
    “Abramovich and I had a long relationship and I don’t think it will ever be the same. But I also know there are a lot of Russian people who want to stop the war.
    Most read in Football
    Only days ago, Russian State Media was banned from criticising billionaire Abramovich, who had taken part in “negotiations” bwteen Russia and Ukraine early in the war.
    Independent media The Moscow Times indicated that Abramovich would not normally be beyond criticism from Russia’s anti-Western state media. 
    They said: “A year ago, he participated in negotiations that ended unsuccessfully for Russia.”
    Abramovich is known to maintain solid relations with Putin despite obtaining Israeli citizenship and living mainly outside his homeland.
    Soviet-born Abramovich is one of Russia’s richest men, and earlier served as a Putin-loyal governor for the far-flung Chukotka region. 
    The reason for the diktat on Abramovich are unknown, but the former footy boss has continued to live a lavish life even while under sanctions.
    Other sports stars have become involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict: Arsenal star Oleg Luzhny returned to Ukraine to fight on the frontline.
    Boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko also enlisted to help the heroic defensive effort by Ukraine.
    Recently retired tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky, who beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2013, has also enlisted aged 36.
    Abramovich has been close with Putin for decadesCredit: AFP More

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    Ukraine 1 England 1: Kyle Walker comes to the rescue after Zinchenko’s opener but Three Lions lose 100% Euro 2024 record

    KYLE WALKER’S maiden international goal, in his 77th England appearance, kept Gareth Southgate’s side on course for next summer’s Euros. A stunning assist from skipper Harry Kane allowed the outstanding Manchester City full-back to equalise just before half-time after Oleksandr Zinchenko had fired Ukraine into a shock lead. 
    Kyle Walker rescued a draw for England against UkraineCredit: AP
    Oleksandr Zinchenko fired Ukraine into the leadCredit: Getty
    Zinchenko celebrates netting the openerCredit: Reuters
    Walker netted an equaliser before half timeCredit: PA
    The goal was Walker’s first ever for EnglandCredit: Getty
    But this was England’s most disappointing performance since the World Cup group-stage draw with the United States, as they gave up their 100 per cent record in this qualifying campaign. 
    Despite a host of in-form attacking players, Southgate’s team lacked their usual fluency and failed to create enough clear-cut chances despite dominating possession at the Tarczynski Arena in the Polish city of Ukraine. 
    A passionate crowd of displaced Ukrainian fans, exiled from their war-torn homeland, roared on Sergiy Rebrov’s side, who defended stoutly and were threatening on the counter-attack. 
    England will now have to wait until next month’s Wembley clash with Italy, at the earliest, before they clinch qualification for the finals in Germany. 
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    The Three Lions now face an in-form Scotland in a Hampden Park ‘friendly’ on Tuesday and Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army will have little to fear on the basis of this sloppy display.
    Southgate could call on a clutch of players inspired by summer moves – Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Maddison. 
    But his most controversial selection was that of Jordan Henderson, whose switch to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq has caused a storm with LGBT fans, while also casting doubt on his international future in footballing terms. 
    Ukraine’s players were draped in their national flag for the anthems and there was a feverish atmosphere before kick-off among the thousands of Ukrainian fans living here in Poland.
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    Jordan Henderson started for England in midfieldCredit: Reuters
    Jude Bellingham started the game with confidenceCredit: Getty
    England were utterly dominant early on – with Bellingham full of confidence and invention – but they were unable to carve out a decent scoring opportunity.
    Bukayo Saka appeared to be inhibited by an early knock and Ukraine, having defended assuredly, began to grow as an attacking force. 
    There were a few shaky moments for the English defence before Ukraine seized the lead on 26 minutes.
    Their right-back Yukhym Konoplia surged down the right past Ben Chilwell and cut back for Zinchenko to drill home – England’s midfield having failed to pick up the Arsenal man’s run and Jordan Pickford diving the wrong way. 
    England were provoked into a renewed sense of urgency but Henderson skied a shot and Southgate’s side were beginning to show frustration – Maddison booked for a foul on Illia Zabarnyi. 
    Bellingham carved open the Ukraine defence with a diagonal pass but Maddison failed to capitalise with a poor first touch. 
    The place was rocking and England appeared to be wilting. They needed something out of the ordinary to equalise – and that’s what they produced.  
    Kane had dropped so deep he was standing next to his central defenders, to the side of the centre circle, when he conjured a visionary diagonal pass all of 40 yards towards Walker.
    Harry Kane set up Walker’s goalCredit: Reuters
    Walker finally netted for England on his 77th capCredit: Reuters

    The City defender chested down, rifled past Georgiy Bushchan and survived a VAR check for offside to break his duck after 12 years as an international footballer. 
    After the break Maguire headed on to the roof of the net from a Walker cross and a Henderson centre had Bushchan sprawling.
    But a sloppy Bellingham pass afforded Ukraine a half-chance but Georgiy Sudakov screwed his shot well wide. 
    England had been struggling for fluency, on a difficult playing surface, but they clicked into gear when Maddison fed Kane, who held it up and slipped a pass to Saka, the Arsenal man leathering a shot which Bushchan tipped on to the bar.
    Saka exchanged passes with Maddison, wriggled past a defender but had a shot blocked. 
    Midway through the second half, Southgate introduced Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden in place of Bellingham and Maddison, neither of whom had truly sparked. 
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    Rashford had an angled drive pushed out by Bushchan, who then saved a close-range effort from a lunging Maguire. 
    Walker capped a fine personal display with a couple of excellent late challenges to dispossess Mykhailo Mudryk as Ukraine broke menacingly.
    Gareth Southgate must not prepare his team to face ScotlandCredit: Getty More