Russian troops are advancing more and more deeply into Ukrainian territory, many of them towards Kyiv, the country's capital. Naturally, an atmosphere of fear and horror reaches into the country's most important city, but thousands of citizens have refused to leave their homes and are staying put to defend their city.
The façade of the Barça supporters' club in the Ukrainian capital / @fcbarcakyiv
Among them is the Barça supporters club, known as the Fan Club Barça Kyiv, which has used its Instagram account to announce that members have decided to arm themselves and defend their home. In a publication featuring the flag of "Los Leopardos" - as members of the group call themselves - they assert that "Ukraine is waging a war against the Russian troops which outnumber them. The enemy is destroying cities and killing civilians in a European country - UKRAINE."
But in the statement they go on to explain the determination of all the members of their Futbol Club Barcelona supporters' group. "All members of the Fan Club Barça Kyiv have now risen to defend their land, their families, ordinary people and all the values of the Democratic and Civilized world. Thank you very much for your support and understanding!"
And it doesn't stop there, because this supporters' club, founded in 2017, repeats the call made by Ukrainian president Zelensky for support to come from all over the world. "Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky invited volunteers from other countries to join the defence of Democracy, Peace and Security in Europe and the world. All people are welcome to fight" side by side with the Ukrainians against the terrorist or invading state of the 21st century", they state.
The flag of "Los Leopardos", with a weapon and several bullets / @fcbarcakyiv
Their statement ends with a message of hope for the future. "JOIN TOGETHER to defend UKRAINE!!!! Together we defeated Hitler and together we will defeat Putin!!!! We hope that when the war is over, we will enjoy the football matches together again in the stadiums of Barcelona, Kyiv, Donetsk and Crimea !!!!"
A message which they hope will translate into visiting the Camp Nou stadium again, as its members have done on multiple occasions, as they show on their profile. They hope that their message will reach as many people as possible and that they will be helped to defend their city, their family, and their lives.
Main image: One of the members of the Barça supporters' club in Kyiv, armed, in front of the Barça flag / @fcbarcakyiv