Andriy Shevchenko is extra acquainted representing Ukrainians as a sporting icon than any type of statesman. 

But like all Ukrainians he's adapting to wartime.

The nation's footballing nice is utilizing his voice to make sure the warfare battle is not uncared for.

"We have to keep defending our country," Shevchenko tells Sky News. "We have to do everything to provide for our children and our young generation to have a future - and that future to be Ukraine, an independent country."

It is about greater than elevating consciousness. Raising funds is critical to start the rebuilding - notably faculties attacked by Russian missiles.

"That mindset, it's very important," Shevchenko says.

It is essential so training is just not misplaced at the same time as Ukraine's efforts are totally on repelling the invasion.

But a whole bunch of faculties have been ruined or partially destroyed as Shevchenko noticed on a latest journey again to Chernihiv.

The former Chelsea ahead is hoping money for the mission comes from soccer followers in England with a charity match at his former membership.

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'Work collectively'

The 46-year-old will probably be captaining one of many all-star sides at Stamford Bridge for Game4Ukraine on August 6.

"It is not just about raising the funds," Shevchenko says. "But also about sending the message that sport, society, the football legends are all together.

"We attempt to work collectively for a vital trigger to assist the Ukrainian kids, additionally to ship the message that Ukrainian persons are not alone."

Shevchenko was joined on the visit to the Mykhailo-Kotsiubynsky Lyceum school by Arsenal player Oleksandr Zinchenko, who will be captaining the other Game4Ukraine team.

They stood in a Ukrainian government video amid the devastation - the brutal reality behind the symbolism of solidarity in adopting their blue and yellow flags.

So while the match is intended to be a celebratory occasion, the only reason it is necessary cannot be minimised or obscured from the footballing festivities.

It is why in this interview Shevchenko discusses matters not typical for a former footballer - Russian President Vladimir Putin's future, the progress of the war and hopes for peace.

The former Ukraine captain, whose goals took them to their first World Cup in 2006, speaks assuredly, without any hesitation or concern.

In fact we were only told he did not want this interview to dwell too much on some pure footballing matters - to keep the focus on Ukraine.

Asked about the need to reclaim all Ukrainian territory, he replied: "It must be like that...Ukraine's territory - it is essential."

He is clear to defer to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on how peace can be achieved.

'Win the warfare'

There is a eager for Russia to vary course 18 months into the full-scale invasion, with some encouragement supplied by the short-lived rebellion launched by Yevgeny Prigozhin final weekend.

Shevchenko stated: "It gives hope to everyone in the beginning but I think it is a good news because that means inside of Russia some people start to be against the war and not happy about this full scale invasion to Ukraine and that always is positive news.

"But I believe we are going to simply need to do all the pieces that we are able to to cease the warfare and to win the warfare."

It is a war directly impacting sport, with hundreds of athletes killed and facilities destroyed.

It is why Ukraine has gathered support in the Baltics and beyond - including Britain - for athletes from Russia and war ally Belarus to be banned from international sports events.

But the International Olympic Committee has deplored moves led by Ukraine to ban Russians and Belarusians from even competing as neutrals at the Paris Olympics.

That has to be the case, Shevchenko maintains, if the war is not over.

"My place could be very robust," he said. "No Russian or Belarusian athletes must be taking part in competitions."

That includes at Wimbledon next week after a ban on them competing last year was reversed under the threat of further fines and sanctions from tennis authorities for Britain.

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"I know how many Ukrainian athletes will not be available to participate in any competition," Shevchenko stated. "I know how many sports facilities have been destroyed by war.

"I understand how many doubtlessly future new generations of athletes of Ukraine may by no means compete. And that is attributable to the warfare Russia and Belarus began towards Ukraine."

And it's why Shevchenko will keep speaking out.

Through football - and his charity match - the former AC Milan star hopes the world understands why Ukraine shouldn't be abandoned.

"For us it's extra essential that every one the nations across the democratic world keep collectively and assist us to defend our nation, defend our freedom, defend our democracy," he says.

"For us it's extra essential that everyone understands what Ukraine goes by way of."