Igor Surkis congratulated Shakhtar on their 86th anniversary

“I congratulate the players, coaches, management, employees of FC Shakhtar Donetsk and everyone who has been writing the Pitmen’s successful history for many decades on the 86th anniversary of the club’s founding.

Throughout its history, Shakhtar has won dozens of trophies, the love of Ukrainian fans and the respect of the international football community. The Pitmen adequately represent Ukraine on the world football fields, not retreating in the face of the most difficult challenges and the strongest rivals.

Exactly three months ago, every Ukrainian experienced what the Donetsk people faced 8 years ago, when the war came to the Ukrainian Donbass. However, despite the fact that Shakhtar had to flee the horrors of war for the second time, the club continues to work and help Ukraine, actively providing humanitarian assistance and holding charity matches in support of our compatriots.

In difficult times, Ukrainians have always united, therefore, postponing football rivalry until our Victory, we are now fighting on a united front. Dynamo and Shakhtar, as the flagships of Ukrainian football, are doing everything in their power to help needy Ukrainians and brave Ukrainian defenders, draw world attention to the war in our state and jointly bring Ukraine’s victory closer.

I am sure that together we will overcome all difficulties, restore peace in Ukraine and continue to give bright emotions to Ukrainian fans and play under the blue and yellow flag in the European Cup battles.

I sincerely wish Shakhtar, as well as all of Ukraine, a speedy victory for us, faith in a happy future for Ukraine and return home, to Ukrainian Donetsk. See you at the handsome stadium Donbass Arena!”

President of FC Dynamo (Kyiv)

Igor Surkis