Shakhtar Donetsk's victory over Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian Cup has reignited a sense of unity and celebration among fans, marking a significant moment in the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The atmosphere at the Polissya Stadion was electric, with over 5,000 supporters, including military personnel who attended after time at the front lines. This gathering represents a poignant return to normalcy and camaraderie, as fans and soldiers alike reflect on their collective experiences during wartime, offering a deep emotional connection to football as a beacon of hope and resilience.
"It's the first time in years that we've all been together in numbers like this," says one of them, Taras, whose organisation sends equipment to soldiers at the front.
"Most of the military personnel have been given dispensation to take a few days off and travel for the match," says one unnamed soldier who came straight from the trenches.
Kirill, a softly spoken 23-year-old, is attending his first football match since 2021 and recalls watching a game in Mariupol before its destruction.
Valeriy Bondar, in celebratory fervor, waved a flare in the night sky, marking a triumphant victory for Shakhtar Donetsk over Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian Cup.
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