‘There’s no fuel.. food is running out’ – Brazilian footballers stuck in Ukraine beg their government to help them flee
BRAZILIAN footballers stranded in Ukraine have called for their government to help them flee the country.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has sent troops into Ukraine as they begin their invasion of the country.
And on Thursday morning a video clip surfaced showing players from Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv huddled together with their families in a hotel room.
Journalist Arthur Quezada shared the video on Twitter – which saw them make a heartfelt plea to the Brazilian authorities for their evacuation.
Shakhtar striker Junior Moraes, 34, sent a message saying: “The situation is one of despair.
“I ask you to disclose this video so that it reaches the [Brazilian] government.
“Borders are closed, banks [are shut], there is no fuel, there will be a shortage of food, there is no money.
“We are gathered waiting for a plan to leave Ukraine.”
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A number of young children were visible in the clip as they desperately attempt to leave Ukraine.
Moraes then posted an Instagram message which read: “All friends and family, the situation is serious and we are stuck in Kiev waiting for a solution to get out.
“We are inside a hotel. Pray for us.”
All commercial flights in Ukraine have been grounded – meaning no foreigners can leave the country.
Moraes was born in Brazil but is a Ukrainian international.
There are 12 Brazilian players in the Shakhtar squad, as well as Dynamo Kyiv’s Vitinho.
Those identifiable from the video include Dodo, Vitao, Marlon, Ismaily and Vinicius Tobias, Maycon, Marcos Antonio, Tete, Alan Patrick, Pedrinho and Fernando.
Also in the clip is David Neres – who only completed a move from Ajax to Shakhtar last month.
The Ukrainian Premier League has been suspended for 30 days following the Russian invasion.
Meanwhile, UEFA are coming under increasing pressure to move the Champions League final away from St Petersburg.
FIFA is also being urged to boot Russia out of the World Cup play-offs next month.
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