Ukraine’s Georgiy Sudakov’s Kyiv apartment was severely damaged in a Russian drone attack while his family was home. Despite the ordeal and the ongoing conflict, Sudakov and his national teammates are preparing for a World Cup qualifier, carrying the hopes of their nation.
Ukraine international midfielder Georgiy Sudakov has revealed the harrowing news that his apartment in Kyiv was severely damaged following a Russian drone strike. The attack occurred while his wife, child, and mother were inside the residence. Sudakov, currently on international duty with the Ukrainian national team, shared images and videos of the devastation on his Instagram account, offering a stark glimpse into the ongoing conflict's impact on civilian lives.
The 23-year-old footballer's post conveyed the distress and shock of the incident. "This is what my house looks like after tonight. Arrival of the shaheed [sic]. The wife, child, and mother were at home at the time," he wrote, illustrating the perilous situation faced by his family and countless others in Ukraine. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the images shared by Sudakov paint a grim picture of destruction and disruption.
According to Ukraine's air force, a massive wave of 805 drones and 13 missiles were launched by Russia overnight. Although Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 751 of these aerial threats, the attacks managed to inflict significant damage across the capital city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that at least four people were killed and 44 others injured in the widespread assault, highlighting the human cost of the escalating conflict.
The BBC Verify team has geolocated Sudakov's apartment building to the south-eastern part of the Svyatoshyns'kyi district in Kyiv. Verified videos and photographs from the scene depict extensive damage to the building's upper floors, with blackened walls, shattered windows, and collapsed sections. The surrounding streets are littered with debris and rubble, underscoring the intensity of the drone strike.
Sudakov's personal ordeal reflects the broader challenges faced by Ukrainian athletes and citizens alike. The war has forced many to live apart from their families, endure constant threats of violence, and grapple with the psychological toll of living in a conflict zone. In an interview with BBC Sport last year, Sudakov spoke candidly about the difficulties of balancing his professional football career with the emotional burden of being away from his family in Kyiv during the war. "It's psychologically hard when your family is far away and the first thing you see in the morning after waking up is a text from your wife saying that she and your child are hiding in the bathroom," he shared in February 2024, providing a poignant glimpse into the realities of life under siege.
Despite the personal turmoil and national crisis, Sudakov and his Ukrainian teammates are preparing for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday. The team recently suffered a 2-0 defeat to France in their Group D opener on Friday. As they step onto the field, they carry the weight of their nation's hopes and dreams, striving to provide a sense of unity and pride amidst the ongoing conflict. "Currently, when the situation in the country is very difficult, all footballers are aware of this. When we play for the national team, we feel responsibility and pride, we want to please the people who support us."
Sudakov, who joined Portuguese side Benfica from Shakhtar Donetsk in August, was born in Bryanka in the Donbas region which is currently occupied by Russian forces.
The attack on Sudakov's apartment serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the war in Ukraine, highlighting the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the country continues to grapple with the ongoing crisis, the resilience and determination of its people, including athletes like Georgiy Sudakov, offer a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.