Could Arsenal’s Zinchenko be called up to fight for Ukraine against Russia?

Premier League title hopes with the Gunners is one thing, but thoughts of school friends fighting to save their country is very much on the player’s mind.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has marked its two-year anniversary, a conflict that has left many Ukrainian footballers playing for various European teams on edge. Among the most vocal opponents of the war has always been Oleksandr Zinchenko, a player for Arsenal and a full international with Ukraine. Zinchenko opened up about the war in a candid interview with BBC Newsnight.

“If they call me to fight, would I go? The answer is clear. I would go to war. I know some people might think it’s much easier for me to be here (in England) than to be there (in Ukraine). I really hope this war ends soon,” the 27-year old asserted without reservation, following the news that President Volodymyr Zelensky had lowered the military mobilization age from 27 to 25.

Furthermore, he revealed that many of his childhood classmates are now on the front lines, fighting against the Russian invasion.

“It’s hard to grasp that not long ago we were in the same school, playing in the playground or on the football field, and now they have to defend our country, but that’s how it is. It’s hard to understand, but we can’t give up.”

Zinchenko also disclosed to the BBC that he has donated one million pounds ($1.26 million) to assist his compatriots, many of whom are children who have lost their parents to the bombs. A conflict that churns his stomach.

“The situation in my country is incredibly tough, and we are proud of our president. I couldn’t be prouder to be Ukrainian,” explained the Arsenal player.

In concluding his heartfelt interview, Zinchenko delivers a stark message about the impact of this war