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Legendary footballer Shevchenko steps up relief efforts for Ukrainian victims

One of Ukraine's greatest players, Shevchenko said he was in shock for the first two days of his country's conflict with Russia

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Former Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko said he will use his platform to raise humanitarian aid for victims of the crisis.

One of Ukraine’s greatest players and a former coach of the national team, Shevchenko said he was in shock for the first two days of Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, which Moscow describes as a “special military operation.”

“But I soon got to thinking about how best I could help my country. I decided the best way was to use my platform, speak up, tell people the truth about what’s going on and raise humanitarian aid,” Shevchenko told the Times newspaper.

Shevchenko told the Times that he plans to welcome two Ukrainian refugee families into his home in Surrey.

“I have the ability and capacity to have people in my home, so why would I not do that? These are people who have nothing, and the world has to help — right now,” the 45-year-old said.

“The response from all round the globe has been fantastic, but the situation is getting worse. More people are dying, so we all need to do more, and we need to do it now.”

Thousands of people have been killed in the fighting while the UN refugee agency says some 10 million people have been displaced by the war.

Shevchenko has launched a campaign called “Play Your Part for Ukraine https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/play-your-part” which hopes to raise an initial two million pounds ($2.64 million) to help those affected. Donations stood at nearly 294,000 pounds on Tuesday.

Shevchenko also hailed the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

“The reaction of the president has been amazing. He has united the nation,” Shevchenko said. “His is an inspiring message of solidarity, and the world reaction has given our people hope.”