How Ukrainians Are Rallying Behind Shakhtar Donetsk in London
This season, Shakhtar Donetsk will play their Champions League home matches at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge. Though this is far from an ideal setting, the Ukrainian community in the UK is embracing the chance to support their team amid difficult circumstances.
Fans' Deep Connection to Shakhtar
Artem Genne’s most cherished football memory is standing on the Donbas Arena pitch, holding a Champions League flag before a match against Chelsea back in 2012. Two years later, the Russian-backed takeover of Donetsk forced many fans like Genne to leave their city. This upheaval pushed the club to relocate its home matches multiple times over the past 14 years, including stays in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Poland, Slovenia, and Germany.
Now living in the West Midlands, Genne plans to attend all four of Shakhtar’s Champions League games at Stamford Bridge, starting with the fixture against AEK Athens.
"When the invasion began, many left thinking it would be over soon, and they’d return quickly. Sadly, that never happened," says Genne. "Meeting people from my hometown abroad gives a sense of home and hope. Sharing those memories brings a bittersweet feeling because that life seems out of reach now."
He adds that the UK has been incredibly welcoming: wearing a Shakhtar shirt in public results in applause and high fives rather than hostility.
Emotional Support Amid Uncertainty
Dima Prasolov, who moved from Donetsk to Kyiv after the conflict and now lives in Kent, expressed his excitement about being able to buy a four-game ticket for the first time in 15 years.
"This means everything to me. Since the invasion, watching our team regularly was nearly impossible," he shares. "The club means so much to me and my family; it’s an emotional experience."
The London venue offers a brief refuge from the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine. Sergei Palkin, Shakhtar’s chief executive, reveals how the war impacts the club daily.
"Our under-12 team had to move to a safer area of Kyiv after recent attacks. Our women’s team even had a match interrupted by a drone strike. Every game is about more than football — it’s about human struggles, mental health, and family uncertainty," Palkin explains.
He emphasizes the unpredictability players face, not knowing what each day will bring.
Unity Beyond Football Rivalries
Shakhtar’s general director hopes to draw around 30,000 fans at Stamford Bridge across the four home games. These matches offer more than just sport; they are a gathering point for Ukrainians in London, even bringing rival fans together.
Genne notes, "My two friends support Dynamo Kyiv, but when we're in Europe, we stand united. The hooligans no longer fight each other because we share one real enemy, not a football rival."
Some skepticism exists about holding matches in London due to visa costs and processing times, making it tough for many Ukrainians to attend in person.
- Visa cost: £135
- Application time: At least three months in advance
One anonymous fan points out that these fees can equal a month's income for some, and waiting months for visas isn’t feasible during wartime. As a result, many will watch from pubs and gather remotely.
"When Shakhtar plays, it feels like a big family. It goes beyond rivalry because the team represents Ukraine first," the fan says.
Strong Support From the UK Ukrainian Community
Many attendees will travel within the UK to see Shakhtar play, continuing a pattern seen during previous away matches in England. Tickets for the club's recent games against Crystal Palace and Arsenal sold out rapidly, sometimes within an hour.
Prasolov explains, "London’s Ukrainian diaspora, especially in West London, is passionate and loyal. When Ukrainian teams play here, the community always shows up. Expect lots of Ukrainian songs and chants creating a vibrant atmosphere."
Besides football, the events serve as cultural celebrations, supporting fundraising efforts for supplies sent back to Ukraine.
"There’s a huge community constantly organizing concerts and fundraisers for medical kits and equipment," Genne says. "We’re united by a common goal to help liberate our country, even from afar."
Building Connections With the Diaspora
Palkin mentions ongoing initiatives to engage Ukrainian children living in London, such as school visits and training sessions with the team.
"These activities strengthen ties between Ukrainians abroad and their homeland," he states.
London has welcomed roughly 265,000 Ukrainian refugees, and Shakhtar aims to keep raising awareness about the situation back home.
"Being visible now is critical. Playing in the Champions League sends a message: Ukraine is alive, fighting, working, living, and competing on the world stage," Palkin says.
Shakhtar as a Symbol of Hope
Amir, a Shakhtar fan who left Donetsk at age 15 and now lives in London, views the club’s international presence as a beacon of hope.
"Seeing Ukrainian athletes succeed internationally reassures and empowers our people. It reconnects us to our roots and reminds the world where Shakhtar comes from," Amir explains.
The upcoming game against AEK Athens will be deeply emotional for fans, followed by matches against Real Madrid, Sporting, and Fenerbahce.
Genne reflects, "Positive news and results bring joy and lift spirits, reminding us what happiness feels like. Supporting our club is about community and shared experiences — it’s far more than just football."
Shakhtar: Champions Displaced but Not Defeated
Despite losing their home ground and facing immense challenges, Shakhtar Donetsk continues to represent Ukraine on Europe’s biggest stage. Their journey tells a story of resilience, unity, and hope amidst conflict.
