‘I hope you die’ were the words used by Man City’s Zinchenko as he attacks Vladimir Putin with Russia choosing to bomb Ukraine.
The Ukrainian international says he hopes the Russian president endures the ‘most painful suffering death’ after a full-scale invasion on the player’s country was launched this week.
Zinchenko, 25, said on Tuesday that he ‘can’t stand back’ whilst ‘the whole civilized world is concerned about my country’ and has again taken to social media on Thursday morning.
On his Instagram story, he posted a photo of Putin with the caption: ‘I hope you die the most painful suffering death, creature.’
Russia have gone all-out in going to war on Ukraine with missiles and bombs, tanks rolling across the border from Belarus, troops parachuted down on eastern regions and explosions seen across the country after Putin personally gave the order for his forces to attack.
‘Hundreds’ of Ukrainian troops were killed according to reports, as the fight came to them on all fronts at a moment’s notice.
The Daily Mail add that ‘cruise missiles, guided bombs and GRAD rockets took out targets from east to west – aimed at airfields, military bases, ammo dumps, and command posts.’
Putin produced announcement to the Russian public during a UN meeting aimed at avoiding war – in which he declared a ‘special military operation’ to ‘de-militarise’ and ‘de-Nazify’ Ukraine in what amounted to a outright declaration of war.
A chilling warning was put to any country – especially those in the west, thinking of coming to Ukraine’s aid, vowing ‘consequences greater than any you have faced in history’.
Ukrainian President Zelensky gave his own address – delivered from home – in which he declared martial law and vowed to resist the Russian attack, come what may. ‘Don’t panic. We are strong. We are ready for everything. We will defeat everyone. Because we are Ukraine,’ he said.
Meanwhile, news broke on Thursday morning that European leaders are poised to hit Russia with the “harshest package of sanctions” ever introduced following Vladimir Putin’s attempt to invade Ukraine.
He wrote via Twitter: I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps. President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The UK and our allies will respond decisively.”
Downing Street issued this statement: “Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the early hours of this morning.
“The prime minister said he was appalled by the unfolding events in Ukraine.
“The Ukrainian president updated the prime minister on the attacks taking place, and the prime minister said the West would not stand by as President Putin waged his campaign against the Ukrainian people.
“The prime minister said he hoped Ukraine could resist and that Ukraine and its people were in the thoughts of everyone in the United Kingdom people during this dark time.”
A further statement is expected from Boris later the same day.
There is still talk on this season’s Champions League final which is due to take place in Saint Petersburg on the 28th of May; however, UEFA is considering moving the game as Russia threatens conflict with Ukraine, and Boris Johnson says Russia has ‘no chance’ of hosting football tournaments.
Prime Minister Johnson told MPs on Tuesday: “It’s absolutely vital in this critical moment that President Putin understands that what he is doing is going to be a disaster for Russia.
“And it is clear from the response of the world to what he has done already in Donbas that he is going to end up with a Russia that is poorer as a result of the sanctions that the world will implement.
“A Russia that is more isolated, a Russia that has pariah status – no chance of holding football tournaments in a Russia that invades sovereign countries.
“A Russia that is engaged in a bloody and debilitating conflict with a fellow Slav country. What an appalling result for President Putin.
“I hope that he steps back from the brink and does not conduct a full invasion.”
On Wednesday, in light of the venue talks and war, Oleksandr Zinchenko said that nobody “will ever be able to appropriate” Ukraine.
The Premier League player said: “The whole civilised world is concerned about the situation in my country.
“I cannot stand aside and I would like to share my opinion.
“My country is in this picture.
“The country where I was born and grew up.
“The country whose colours I defend on the international sporting stage.
“The country that we try to glorify and develop.
“The country whose borders must remain inviolable.
“My country belongs to the Ukrainians and nobody will ever be able to appropriate it.
“We will not give up what is ours! Glory to Ukraine!”
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