CHERRIES defender Illia Zabarnyi thanked the “warriors who defend” Ukraine for allowing him and his international team to represent their country at this summer’s Euros.

Ukraine start their Group C campaign against Romania at 2pm this afternoon, with the Euros representing Zabarnyi’s second major tournament at just 21.

A teenager when he represented Ukraine at Euro 2020, Zabarnyi says a lot has changed since then.

In February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, with the war still ongoing.

“I went through many things in both football and my life since the last Euros,” Zabarnyi explained.

“I think the fact I am here now, it's down to our warriors who defend our country. They are incredible people who with bravery win everything. I am so grateful to them.

“The major difference with the previous Euros is that, because there is war in our country and it's very difficult when you wake up and you think what happens to your friends at home.

"It's a great honour to represent Ukraine.

"We don't have superstars, we just have a really good squad.

 "The boys are all together, and I think in this moment we're a good team."

Since joining Cherries in January 2023, Zabarnyi has often sought to bring attention to what is happening in his homeland.

"You all know the times we are going through now, and I feel incredible responsibility for my actions,” he continued.

“When you understand how difficult it is to be there, then it is difficult to say the right words.

"I just want to say thanks to anyone who comes and supports us, and everyone who lets us play, because it is important not only for football in Ukraine, but also for all of life.

"Every day our country wakes up to alarms and it's so difficult to think about that. Children, women, just civilian people, lots of people die every day and it has to stop.

“Imagine trying to sleep through the night with your babies and then suddenly there is a siren.

“You need to wake up, go underground to the bunker and hide yourself. Otherwise you take a massive risk to lose your life or house. You never know where the bomb or rocket might hit.

“A few days ago, Russia destroyed a dam. The stories I heard, I cannot even explain it.

“Some people don't have the opportunity to leave their houses because the water is so high already.

"Of course that can pressurise every one of us, but it adds a great motivation to come onto the pitch and do everything possible to win."

“For us, it's a very emotional moment when you see Ukraine flags in the stadium... It's just when you are just checking news, what's going on at home, it's difficult to put it into words.”