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Ukraine NBA players Svi Mykhailiuk and Alex Len issue statement of support to native country and condemn Russian invasion

Kyle Irving

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Ukraine NBA players Svi Mykhailiuk and Alex Len issue statement of support to native country and condemn Russian invasion image

Toronto Raptors guard Svi Mykhailiuk and Sacramento Kings center Alex Len, two Ukrainian NBA players, issued a statement of support to their native country on Thursday, condemning Russia's invasion.

 

"A great tragedy befell our dear homeland Ukraine," the joint statement between Mykhailiuk and Len began.

"We categorically condemn the war. Ukraine is a peaceful, sovereign state inhabited by people who want to decide their own destiny.

"We pray for our families, friends, relatives and all the people who are in the territory of Ukraine. We hope for an end to this terrible war as soon as possible," the message continued.

"Dear fellow Ukrainians, hold on! Our strength is in unity! We are with you!," Mykhailiuk and Len concluded, along with the hashtag, #StandWithUkraine.

Later that night, prior to the start of the Kings-Nuggets game in Sacramento, players from both teams held a moment of silence and linked arms in solidarity with Kings' Alex Len. 

Pregame, Kings coach Alvin Gentry asked everyone to keep Len and his family in their prayers. 

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.