Over 300 Ukrainian veterans, military personnel on rehabilitation, as well as families of fallen soldiers and football fans had the opportunity to support the national team of Ukraine at Euro-2024 in Germany.

This became possible thanks to the cooperation between the Ukrainian Football Association, the charitable fund "Energy of Ukraine's Victory," and the "Heroes' Tribunes" foundation, with financial support from German energy businesses.

Among those who supported the team was a 27-year-old girl. Her husband, volunteer of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleg "Fish" Rybalkenko, died during an artillery attack on Bakhmut by Russian forces on December 21, 2022. In life, Oleg was a devoted supporter of Dynamo Kyiv and dreamed of meeting his childhood idol, former Dynamo striker and current national team coach Serhiy Rebrov.

"I am here to honor my husband. He always dreamt of being part of such an event. Football has always been his passion. Now we suffer daily from Russian terror," — shared Anastasia with the international publication RND.

Ukrainian military personnel who sustained serious injuries on the front and are now in Germany for treatment and rehabilitation also had the chance to attend matches of the national team. In wheelchairs, with amputations, but they supported the blue-and-yellow team on the stands.

Among them is 29-year-old Yurii Suchotin. On May 24, 2022, his column came under artillery fire. As a result of the injury, Yurii had to have his left arm amputated, and six weeks later he was evacuated along with other wounded soldiers. The veteran from central Ukraine has been living in Regensburg for two years.

"There are so many Ukrainians here now, everyone is in a good mood. What's happening here is very important for us. Because football is a means of communication between free nations and has a great influence, just like music. This way we show the world that Ukraine is alive, that it is strong," — shared Yurii.

"Football is a sport that unites people. It heals, brings positive emotions, which are so important for Ukrainians during wartime. We believe that football has a positive impact on the rehabilitation of military personnel and the Ukrainian Football Association has the potential to develop a system of support for our veterans and civilians affected by war. So this cooperation is another important step towards achieving this," — commented President of the UFA Andriy Shevchenko.

Julia Movchan, director of the charitable fund "Energy of Ukraine's Victory," spoke about the idea behind the campaign: "Even during the European Football Championship, the war against Ukraine continues. We want to remind the world of the suffering Ukrainians go through and at the same time show their resilience and strength. We are glad that we can implement this project together with our German partners."

"Trips to national team matches for families of fallen fans — it's not just about football. For them, it is also an opportunity to continue the cause of their loved ones and preserve their memory, as well as share their story. Every fan dreams of attending Euro matches and experiencing this atmosphere, but unfortunately over 250 mourners have never been able to do so. This event is very important and symbolic for families because now they are the voices of fallen heroes who remind the world about those who gave their lives defending Ukraine," — said Dmitro Kukurudza, co-founder of the "Heroes' Tribunes" foundation.

Note

Ukrainian military personnel, families of fallen soldiers and fans attended three group stage matches on June 17 in Munich, June 21 in Düsseldorf, and June 26 in Stuttgart. The campaign is funded by German energy companies: EnBW, E.ON, RWE, Siemens Energy, Amprion, 50Hertz, and Tennet. Ticket quotas are provided by UEFA — through the UFA and DFB.