Big-hearted St Johnstone youngster Max Kucheriavyi has given an emotional interview about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
The talented 19-year-old midfielder, currently on loan at Kelty Hearts, has family and friends caught up in the horrors of the Russian invasion back home.
Kucheriavyi says he is concerned about what is happening and is sleeping less than he usually does. He has been able to keep in regular contact with his family.
“They had to leave their home in Kyiv and moved, not far, but into a safer place,” Kucheriavyi said, speaking to Saints TV. "Fortunately they had a chance to leave Kyiv.
“A lot of people didn’t get that chance and I know people who have had to sleep in bunkers who can’t get in touch with their families because they have no phone or internet connection.
“I’m in touch with my family and a lot of people in different areas in Ukraine and Ukrainians in Poland who have helped women and kids across the border.”
Kucheriavyi continued: “I have a friend from Mariupol city. It’s a humanitarian catastrophe there now.
“Fortunately my friend has left the city but his family are still there.
“Another friend is stuck in his training ground with his team-mates and they don’t have any heating or electricity.
“It’s very hard to get them humanitarian help. Hopefully the government can arrange some green corridors for civilians.”
Kucheriavyi was pictured with a Ukrainian flag wrapped around him in the Main Stand at McDiarmid Park during last week’s game against Rangers.
He has set-up a GoFundMe page to raise money for aid charities and the total is sitting at more than £5400.
Saints and the wider Scottish footballing community have been showing their support and Kucheriavyi is grateful.
“The club has given me all the support they can and I know that if I ask for something they will be there for me,” said Kucheriavyi.
“Football is the only way I can get away from my phone and stop thinking about the war back home.
“I feel the support from people in Scotland and people in Ukraine feel support from people across the world.
“I know that when this stops we will be even stronger and we build the best Ukraine for the next generations.
“I’ve always felt proud to be Ukrainian but now the country is more united than it has ever been."
