Ukrainian NBA players Alex Len, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk release statement, ‘condemn the war’

Two Ukrainian NBA players have found a way to use their platforms so they can speak out following the invasion of Ukraine.

While there are many stars from Eastern Europe who have made headlines over the years for their performances, there aren’t many Ukrainian basketball players in the NBA right now. However, the two who have made it to professional basketball’s highest level are speaking out following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement that was shared on Twitter, Alex Len and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk “categorically [condemned] the war” while also showing support for the people of Ukraine. Len and Mykhailiuk described Ukraine as a “peaceful sovereign state” and wrote that the people who live there “want to decide their own destiny.”

Len and Mykhailiuk wrote that they are praying for everyone in Ukraine, including their “families, friends, [and] relatives.”

Read the full statement here:

Alex Len and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk share statement following invasion of Ukraine

Len has been in the NBA since the Phoenix Suns drafted him in 2013. The 7-foot-tall, 28-year-old center has played for five different NBA teams over the past nine seasons and he’s currently calling Sacramento home as he plays for the Sacramento Kings. Prior to playing in the NBA, Len played college basketball for the Maryland Terrapins.

Meanwhile, Mykhailiuk is a little bit younger than Len is. The 24-year-old, 6-foot-7 forward has played for four different franchises since he made it into the NBA. After being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, Mykhailiuk made his way to the Detroit Pistons and later the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mykhailiuk is currently with the Toronto Raptors.

For more information on what is happening in Ukraine, check out the information and resources available here.