Ukrainians Rally Around Shakhtar Donetsk at Stamford Bridge

Shakhtar Donetsk Finds a Temporary Home in London

This season, Shakhtar Donetsk will host their Champions League matches at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge. Though far from ideal, this arrangement has become a rallying point for Ukrainians living in the UK.

A Shared Connection Through Football

Artem Genne’s standout memory is standing on the Donbas Arena pitch waving the Champions League flag before a match against Chelsea in 2012. Since the conflict began in 2014, many fans like Genne, who now resides in the West Midlands, have been displaced. The club itself has shifted homes multiple times—from Kyiv to Lviv, Kharkiv, and even across borders to Poland, Slovenia, and Germany. Now, they play home games in London.

Genne will attend all four of Shakhtar’s Champions League home fixtures this season, starting with the upcoming match against AEK Athens. He reflects on the early days of the invasion when many thought the war would end quickly. “When I meet people from my home area of Ukraine abroad, it gives you a sense of home and hope,” he says.

“In the UK, people are very supportive... When you’re walking around in a Shakhtar shirt, people clap and give high fives with no aggression whatsoever.”

Fans Embrace the Opportunity

Dima Prasolov, who relocated to Kent from Kyiv, describes the chance to buy a four-game pass as a rare treat after years of disrupted support. “It really means everything to me because it’s the club I’ve supported all my life,” he shares. For fans like him, seeing Shakhtar play regularly has been nearly impossible since the Russian invasion.

The London venue offers a moment of safety and normalcy. Yet challenges persist back home. Shakhtar’s CEO Sergei Palkin reveals that even their youth teams face risks, with the under-12 squad recently moving to a safer area of Kyiv after attacks, and a women’s match interrupted by a drone strike.

“Every day when our team goes to the pitch, it’s much more than football... You wake up not knowing what will happen today or tomorrow.”

Unity Among Fans Despite Difficulties

The UK-based Ukrainian community hopes for around 30,000 supporters at Stamford Bridge over the four home matches. This gathering means more than watching football—it’s a chance for Ukrainians from different backgrounds, including rival club supporters, to come together. Genne notes that fan rivalries have softened since the invasion. “My two friends support Dynamo Kyiv, but in Europe we support each other. We have one enemy, not each other.”

Visa costs and waiting times make it hard for some fans to travel to London, especially given the economic strain back home. One anonymous supporter explains that the visa fee is sometimes equal to a monthly income, making attendance impossible for many. Instead, fans watch matches together in pubs across the UK, embracing a shared identity beyond club lines.

A Vibrant Community Supporting Ukraine

Shakhtar’s presence in London also supports cultural events and fundraising efforts benefiting Ukraine. Genne highlights ongoing concerts and activities that raise funds for medical supplies and equipment.

“We’re all united by the symbol to liberate our country... Even though we’re far away, we help with what we can.”

Palkin emphasizes strong ties with the local Ukrainian diaspora, planning outreach programs like school visits and training sessions to connect young Ukrainians in London with the club.

Representing Ukraine on a Global Stage

London hosts many of the 265,000 Ukrainians who sought refuge in the UK. Shakhtar playing in the Champions League sends a message of resilience. Palkin states that while news from Ukraine often focuses on hardship, the club’s participation signals that Ukraine remains vibrant and fighting.

Amir, a fan who left Donetsk at 15, sees Shakhtar’s international presence as a beacon of hope. “It’s important internationally as a reminder of the regional roots of Shakhtar and of Donetsk overall.”

Looking Ahead

Shakhtar’s upcoming fixtures include matches against Real Madrid, Sporting, and Fenerbahce. Genne believes these moments bring joy amid hardship.

“Any positive news, any positive results, bring people joy and make us a bit happier. It’s way more than just football—it’s about community and remembering the joy of life.”