Mikhailyuk: Many NBA players spoke out against Russian aggression and asked how they could help

Ukrainian basketball player Toronto Raptors Svyatoslav Mikhailyuk spoke about how he reacted to the Russian military invasion of Ukraine. According to him, every day for him begins with news about the war.

“Every day starts with news about the war. Of course, this is topic number one. Every day we talk about it, discuss it. All the guys are very patriotic. When we go to matches, we make every effort to win and please our fans. The qualifying matches for the World Cup are very important – and we are doing everything to get to the World Cup.

I was in Canada on February 24th. My parents were with me in Toronto, and before the war they left for Ukraine. On February 24, I talked with my parents, I already had about 22 pm. Told them the news was saying there might be a war. Then I went to bed – woke up and realized that the war had begun. I immediately phoned my parents and close friends in Cherkassy.

There are friends both in Odessa and Cherkassy who have decided to join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and defend the country. Of course, we communicate when there is such an opportunity, ”Mikhailuk said.

Svyatoslav also commented on the creation, together with another Ukrainian representative of the NBA, Oleksiy Len, of the Hope for Ukraine charity foundation.

“We help migrants in Ukraine. My father receives money and buys everything necessary for migrants in Cherkassy and Korsun-Shevchenkovsky, where my parents are from. Throughout the region we try to help people who need it.

Have other NBA players offered to help? Yes, there were many such stories. They approached both me and Alexei Len. Many NBA players spoke out against Russian aggression and asked how they could help, ”Mikhailuk added.

Recall that Mikhailyuk joined the Ukrainian national team at the end of June. He helped the Blue-Yellows beat Georgia and North Macedonia in qualifying for the 2023 World Cup.