Ukrainian Premier League starts new football season amid the ongoing Russian war
Shakhtar Donetsk's players are training before the new Ukrainian Premier League season starts. The opening match is on Tuesday at 1000 GMT (8pm AEST). It's six months since Russia invaded Ukraine and the war has killed thousands and displaced millions. Two top-flight clubs Desna Chernihiv and FC Mariupol are being replaced in the 16-team league after their stadiums were destroyed.
Shakhtar were forced to relocate from their home city of Donetsk in 2014. The club won five of the last eight league titles. They were leading the table on February 24th when Russia invaded. Head coach Igor Jovicevic is rebuilding the team with young, home-grown players.
The new season presents logistical challenges, including the risk of missile strikes. All stadiums must have bomb shelters. The matches will only be played in Kyiv, its surrounding region and two western provinces. If an air raid siren sounds, the game will be stopped for players and match officials to take shelter in basements until the all-clear.
