This weekend marks the one year anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
An event of catastrophic proportions that has had a massive effect on international geopolitics, but more than anything it has devastated the lives of the Ukrainian people and their country.
That impact was also felt on the football pitch.
It has been a year where Ukrainian football went into its darkest, lowest and saddest moments, while also experiencing hope, unity and genuine emotional happiness.
A year where football was put aside as not the most important thing in the world, but where it provided a stage for patriotism and protest.
The national team nearly qualified for the World Cup, the league shut down for nine months, and Ukrainian teams played in European competitions away from home.
There was certainly a lot of upheaval.
Ukraine’s national football team played the first game today at its new, temporary “home stadium” in Łódź,Poland.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 11, 2022
Tens of thousands of Poles and Ukrainians saw the Ukrainians defeat Armenia 3-0 in UEFA Nations League.
The will play Ireland next week. pic.twitter.com/vpkQ2o6zx1
Coinciding with the one year anniversary, the Ukrainian Premier League returns to action on 27th February, after a long winter break.
With the country in such a dire situation off the pitch, even having a functioning football league is quite astonishing, but games are still being played under tough conditions.
There are no crowds, some teams play far from home, and games are occasionally interrupted by missile sirens.
Putting that aside, the league is uncharacteristically tight at the top.
Dnipro-1 are first, ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk in second, Dinamo Kiev in third, and Zorya in fourth.
The league suffered an exodus of talent during the war, but that provided chances for more young local players to shine.
The once mass Brazilian legion in Shakhtar, for example, has been reduced to just one player, and only four foreigners in total.
That has allowed a player like Mykhailo Mudryk to play a dominant role in the team, and impress before being sold to Chelsea.
Beyond being able to revive the league, Ukrainian teams have been playing in European competitions this year - and two of them, Shakhtar and Dnipro, have done well considering the circumstances.
Shakhtar has qualified for the round of 16 in the Europa League, beating Rennes on penalties.
Earlier in the year, they finished 3rd in their Champions League group, while hosting games in Poland.
Dnipro-1 lost to AEK Larnaca in the Conference League play-off round, having finished second in the group stage while hosting their games in Slovakia.
Another Ukrainian team showcasing the next generation of local players is Rukh Lviv, whose under-19 side are participating in the UEFA Youth League, playing AC Milan in the round of 16.
Rukh has upset the odds by beating Inter Milan and Galatasaray in previous rounds, while also leading the local U19 league.
🤩 These emotions! 🧡 We are Shakhtar! ⚒#Shakhtar #UEL pic.twitter.com/DigELzSI6J
— FC SHAKHTAR ENGLISH (@FCShakhtar_eng) February 24, 2023
However, with all the positive things happening on the pitch, it is also important to remember that the battles in Ukraine are still continuing - cities are destroyed and lives are lost.
Occasionally, there might be an uncomfortable feeling that the world has ‘moved on’ - mainstream media reporting less frequently about the matter, or celebrities and political figures hopping to the next ‘trend’.
The one year anniversary of the Russian invasion should serve as a reminder of the harsh reality.
As for football, it will hopefully continue to heal, and perhaps create some escapism for players and fans.
A long road lies ahead, both on and off the pitch, but when it comes to football there is much to be excited for.
Edited by Alex Smith
The Ukrainian League Championship resumes today! 🇺🇦
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) August 23, 2022
ALL the matches will be played in Ukraine, but without any fans. In the event of an air raid over the stadiums, the players, coaches and staff present head straight to a bomb shelter.
Strength to them. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/xYNU84LYwR
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