The war between Russia and Ukraine has seen two Ukrainian footballers, Vitalii Sapylo and Dmytro Martynenko killed in battle.
The death of Sapylo and Martynenko was announced in a tweet by the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO).
The federation sent their condolence to families, friends and teammates of the Ukrainian footballers.
FIFPRO wrote, “Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and teammates of young Ukrainian footballers Vitalii Sapylo (21) and Dmytro Martynenko (25), football’s first reported losses in this war.
“May they both rest in peace.”
Russia’s invasion which started last Thursday has seen citizens of Ukraine take up arms to protect their country.
The development has seen Heavyweight boxer, Vitali Klitschko who happens to be the mayor of Kyiv and his brother, Wladimir Klitschko, join the fight to protect Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has offered to waive visa requirements for foreigners who helps fight in their war against Russia.
Zelensky authorised a decree that would allow foreigners to assist his country in the fight against Russian troops.
