Canadian soccer player enlists in Ukrainian army
A former Winnipegger and Canadian soccer player has enlisted in the Ukrainian army to fight in the war against Russia.
Svyatik Artemenko, 22, grew up in Winnipeg and played soccer for the Winnipeg Valour FC. He was in Ukraine for a try-out with a professional soccer team when Russia invaded.
“It was obviously a good feeling for me to sign for a professional club but the moment when the war started that feeling just went out the window,” Artemenko said in an interview with CTV News from Ukraine.
“Right away my first thought was to go and protect my country and the freedom of my country and my people because I do still have family here and I think it is very important for me to go stand up for my family, for my country even though I’m not a Ukrainian citizen anymore,” Artemenko said.
He is now in the port city of Odessa after enlisting with the Ukrainian armed forces in the fight against Russia. He said the situation is intense, as Odessa has become a potential target.
“We’ve been having air raids and air sirens go off, off and on. Currently, we’re still in standby here, so we can be expecting anything at any time," he said.
Ukraine has announced it’s setting up an international legion for volunteers from abroad. Its foreign minister has invited people to join the fight by contacting the Ukrainian embassy in their home country.
While Canadians have been advised against travelling to the country, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said Sunday she understands there are some who want to help fight the invasion.
“We understand that people of Ukrainian descent want to support their fellow Ukrainians and also that there’s a desire to defend the motherland,” Joly said. “In that sense, it’s their own individual decision.”
Anita Anand, Canada’s Defence Minister, said 3,400 Canadian Forces members are on standby in the region to assist with a NATO response if required but stressed they are not being deployed to Ukraine.
“To those asking whether Canada will send troops to fight in Ukraine, a combat mission is not on the table at this time,” Anand said.
Artemenko said he has some previous military training in Canada but has never had to use a weapon.
One of his former soccer coaches said while he’s concerned, he’s not surprised Artemenko made the choice to join the fight.
“It’s the kind of character he is,” said Keith Mason, head coach and general manager of Guelph United FC. “He’s a very principled man. He has a lot of history in Ukraine and it doesn’t surprise me. He’s the kind that’s going to stand up and fight for what’s right.”
Artemenko said he knows what’s at stake.
“You have to work with the situation that you have and my pride right now for my country is miles ahead of fear,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, who helped the provincial NDP return to power after 16 years on the sidelines, has died.
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
What consumers need to know if Canada Post workers strike ahead of a busy holiday season
Canada's postal workers could walk off the job or the company could lock them out as soon as 12:01 a.m. ET Friday if the union and the company don't reach an agreement. Here are tips for shoppers and businesses.
BREAKING Feds move to end work stoppages at ports, order binding arbitration
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says he is intervening to end the work stoppages at ports in both British Columbia and Montreal.
B.C. teen with first human case of avian influenza in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who contracted Canada’s first-ever human case of avian influenza is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
Ottawa high school principal apologizes for song played during Remembrance Day assembly
The principal of an Ottawa high school is apologizing to students, parents and guardians after an Arabic-language song was played during the school's Remembrance Day service. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is conducting a "thorough investigation" to ensure it "is addressed appropriately and meaningfully."
FAA prohibits U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days after a Florida Spirit flight was shot by gangs
The Federal Aviation Administration announced Tuesday that it will prohibit U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days after gangs shot a Spirit Airlines flight.
23 arrested after at least 100 shots fired in exchange of gunfire outside Toronto recording studio: police
Police say 23 people are in custody after at least 100 shots were fired in an exchange of gunfire outside a West Queen West recording studio on Monday night.
Black market butter: What's behind the recent string of dairy thefts?
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.