Fedor Smolov became the first Russian international footballer condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russia posting on Instagram: “No to war.”
The 32-year-old Dynamo Moscow striker’s post is against a dark backdrop and followed by a Ukrainian flag and a broken heart icon.
The 45-times capped Smolov who has been called up to the last three national squads expressed his opposition hours after the launching of the Russian invasion was announced by President Vladimir Putin.
On Wednesday Benfica’s Ukrainian striker Roman Yaremchuk celebrated a Champions League goal by revealing a shirt bearing his country’s coat of arms.
The 26-year-old scored the goal that gave his Portuguese club a 2-2 draw against Ajax and then displayed a black shirt with the Tryzub symbol.
“I wanted to support my country. I thought a lot about it and I’m afraid of the situation,” he told CNN Portugal.
“The club supports me, they spoke to me and wanted to do everything to help me. I thanked them, although for the moment everything is fine.”
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But the situation did not continue to be fine as Putin who was thought to be keying into discussion with USA and otther international bodies in jaw jaw as against war ordered his troops into Ukraine to the surprise of some and disdain of others.
Russia had said civilians were not targeted but videos emanating from kyiv indicate that casualties have already been recorded even with strikes in residential buildings where household items were seen with doors and windows blown away by explosions.
Smolov has netted 16 goals in his 45 appearances for the Russian national team who failed in their bid to go beyond the Quarterfinals of the World cup 2018 in Russia crashing out to eventual finalists Croatia 4-2 on penalty after the match ended 2-2 after extra time.
