An English footballer playing out in Ukraine has spoken of the chaotic scenes as people attempted to flee the country amid the invasion by Russia.
Viv Solomon-Otabor only joined Ukrainian top flight side FC Rukh Lviv in January and has yet to make an appearance for his new side.
But that wait will now go on after the season's proposed restart following the winter break was extended due to the ongoing conflicts. Ukranians are desperately trying to flee the country and move away from specific areas that are being targeted by Russia.
Solomon-Otabor has since managed to get out of Ukraine but has spoken to Sky Sports News about his concerns for those left behind.
The 26-year-old described the manic scenes, saying: "There was just a lot of cars, a lot of people, a lot of lorries.
"They were obviously trying to get back. Some got told to turn around which was not nice to see.
"There was a lot of cars. Everybody was just calm but you could see the fear in their faces.
"You could see that fear as they were trying to get out."
Solomon-Otabor progressed through the ranks at Birmingham City and went on to make 33 league appearances for the Blues before he left in 2019, joining Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia.
He returned to England in 2020, signing a deal with Wigan Athletic before moving to Scottish outfit St Johnstone on a short-term contract last November.
He joined Lviv in January and upon arriving he posted on Instagram, saying: "My time at St Johnstone was a short one, nevertheless, it provided a chance to regain full fitness and get back to speed.
"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at the club, for their love and support. I’m very excited about this next chapter in my life.
"It’s time to get back to what I love doing best, which certainly is football.
"I have missed nearly a year of football due to injuries but that’s in the past now and it’s time to look ahead.
"Happy to sign for Ukrainian Premier league Side Lviv. God is good. It only gets better from here on."
Solomon-Otabor's compatriot Kadeem Harris spoke earlier this week, before the conflicts began in Ukraine.
Harris, a former winger for Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday, joined Metalist Kharkiv in the summer and has taken to his new surroundings well.
But speaking earlier this week the 28-year-old, whose family is still back in the UK, admitted to having serious concerns about the situation.
He said: "For myself and my family it is definitely something to think about. No one wants their son or partner in the middle of a crisis or a war. They are worried.
"But I keep having to reassure them from my end. I keep trying to reassure my family. It is a bit of a worrying time."
