Former Shakhtar Player Reveals the Reality of Fear and Challenges in Ukraine
In light of recent interviews and personal confessions, former defensive player of the Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk of Israeli origin, Stavi Lemkin, shared his experiences and fears faced during his time playing in Donbas. His story goes beyond football, highlighting a profound personal ordeal that reflects the harsh realities of life in a war-torn country. Lemkin mentioned that his time in Ukraine left him with numerous memories, especially about the constant threat of air raid sirens that sounded every week. “After those experiences, even a small trip to Europe feels like paradise. I am aware that it doesn’t matter where fate takes me – whether it's a cold German village or another place – Ukraine during that period was the most frightening place for me,” Lemkin admitted in an interview. He also expressed appreciation for the simple comforts that now feel precious. In the summer of 2023, Shakhtar signed him, but due to difficulties in establishing himself in the team, he played only five matches before being sold to Dutch club Twente. Prior reports indicated that many foreign players in Ukrainian clubs are considering leaving the country due to ongoing bombings and instability, which create immense stress for players and their families.