Hong Kong-based Ukraine footballer Oleksii Shliakotin describes ‘helplessness’ as parents forced into Kyiv bomb shelters
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The Hong Kong Rangers goalkeeper, who previously played for the Dynamo Kyiv and Ukrainian national youth teams, was on tenterhooks as bombs went off “two kilometres” from his parents’ home in his birthplace of Kyiv.
“I don’t think it’s possible to describe in full what I feel right now,” said Shliakotin, who posted footage on Instagram describing the nearby bombs “landing while my 60-year-old parents are inside”.
“It’s definitely the worst feeling I’ve ever experienced in my life – definitely the hardest moments I’ve ever been through.
“I haven’t slept since February 24. The worst part is the helplessness I feel, being that far away and just observing everything from the side. I’d prefer to be there now – at least I could take care of my parents.”