Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky used his nightly address on Sunday to reflect upon the World Cup that just ended, and he said competitions are better held on playing fields – not the battlefield.
"This is the meaning of football: everyone has a chance to win, everyone can show that he is the strongest. But the competition is on the playing field, not on the battlefield. And the worst thing that can happen is a red card, not a red button," Zelensky said.
FIFA reportedly blocked his address before Sunday's championship match between Argentina and France but Zelensky said: "The world still heard our call."
"When people are united by football, people are united by peace. That is why I have prepared a special address from Ukraine to the whole world for today. To all who value peace and life," Zelensky said.
The war of Russian aggression in Ukraine will hit its 10th month this week. Russia has lost more than 98,000 soldiers since the war began, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense.
The Russia-Ukraine war is entering its 298th day. The one-year anniversary will be February 24, which is two months from this coming Saturday.
Winter officially began in Ukraine on December 1, and weather for the next 90-120 days could be extremely harsh for both Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky urged his nation to help any fellow citizens whenever they can, not just when they're asked for help.
"To get through this winter, we have to help each other more than ever and care for each other even more," Zelensky said during a recent address to his nation. "And please don't ask if you can help, and how. Just help when you see you can.
"To get through the winter, we have to be even more resilient and even more united than ever. There can be no internal conflicts and strife, which can weaken us all, even if someone out there thinks that somehow it will strengthen him personally. We need more interaction than ever. All of Ukraine has to become one big Point of Invincibility and work every day, work every night. The state, business, people -- all of us, Ukrainians, all together."
Zelensky on Sunday said 9 million people in Ukraine have recently had their power restored.
"I thank everyone who carries out these repair works in any weather and around the clock," Zelensky said. "I thank each of our partners who help us with equipment! I also thank Ukrainian business - everyone who transforms their shops, cafes, enterprises into new Points of Invincibility."
Russia amassed troops along Ukraine's northern and western borders in late January while it also conducted military with neighboring Belarus. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 this year and there have been heavy casualties on both sides.
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