"I don't think it's a human thing. There was a child who was shot in the head. I can't express it in words.



"

A series of athletes pick up guns to protect their homeland from the Russian invasion.

A national star player ...

Sergei Stakovsky, 36, from Kyiv, is a nationally popular tennis player who beat Roger Federer, who is aiming to win the 2013 Wimbledon Championship in a row.



After retiring in January, he had just begun a new life in Hungary with his wife and three children.

However, life changed completely due to the military invasion by Russia.



Leaving his family, he returned to his hometown and joined the territorial defense force.



He says he hasn't told the truth to his children.



"I think the worst thing about joining a unit is that you shouldn't let your children know. Young children don't need to know what the war will bring."

“I don't think it's what humans do”

What I saw during activities such as patrols was the dire situation in my home country.



The hardest part is when you see the body of a child.



"It's really terrible. I don't think it's what humans do. There was a child who was shot in the head. I can't express it in words."

Call for support on SNS

A terrible city.



Ukrainian players fighting together.



Mr. Stakovsky continues to send information on SNS, calling for support to his home country.



I also received an offer of support from my former opponent, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, who knew about this situation.



"Are you on the battlefield?"



"I hope the situation calms down."



"Please let me know where to send support."

“This battle is fate”

I think it is what I can do now to keep communicating the actual situation in my home country.

"I will do whatever I can for Ukraine. Ukrainians want prosperity and freedom, but Russia has brought destruction and dictatorship. Everyone is doing what they can for the country. To myself. I think this battle is destined. "



In Ukraine, Stanislav Horuna, who won the bronze medal in the 75-kilometer class of karate and men's kumite at the Tokyo Olympics, and Dmitro Pidrutinei, who participated in the Biathlon of the Beijing Olympics, have joined the army and territorial defense units so far. Has announced that it will join.