KYIV, Ukraine — More than 100 folks have been rooting for Ukraine’s nationwide soccer group within the entrance of the Corner Pub, however a take a look at the again rooms of the bar made it clear that its prospects have been extra than simply sports activities followers.
There have been helmets, bandages, hand heaters and intravenous baggage in one of many bar’s retailer rooms on Monday evening, all destined for the entrance strains. “It’s a logistics hub,” the pub’s proprietor, Oleksii Marchuk, mentioned.
Named for its perch outdoors the capital’s now-closed Olympic Stadium, the Corner Pub has lengthy been a gathering level for die-hard supporters of Dynamo Kyiv, one in every of Ukraine’s most well-known skilled groups. But since Russia’s full-scale invasion, it has additionally turn into an alternative to their shuttered stadium and a hub to assist the struggle effort.
Beyond simply cheering on their group, the followers have turn into fund-raisers, navy boosters and logistics specialists — and in some circumstances troopers themselves.
“There is no group that has no people in the war,” Mr. Marchuk mentioned Monday evening. That contains the close-knit Dynamo Kyiv neighborhood.
The group’s distinctive patches, that are allowed to be worn on navy uniforms, are on show within the pub’s three sprawling rooms underground. So, too, are reminders of the struggle, from an indication outdoors celebrating “every” useless Russian to munitions leaning in an alcove.
Some of Ukraine’s most hard-core soccer supporters, or “ultras,” have a historical past of violent hooliganism or have been linked to the acute proper and white supremacy, however they’re a minority of followers. The ultras have additionally defended pro-democracy protesters and turn into a strong organizing pressure throughout the political spectrum.
In the early days of the struggle, with Kyiv underneath assault, the pub’s employees moved in beds and cooked for the navy from morning till evening. Now, they distribute gear to Dynamo Kyiv supporters on the entrance strains and host desk tennis tournaments to lift funds for the combat.
The navy provides change from each day, Mr. Marchuk mentioned. On Monday, there have been intravenous baggage, whereas on different days there is likely to be bulletproof vests, tourniquets or energy banks. Some objects are donated, and others are sourced primarily based on requests from fellow followers on the battlefield.
“I want my friends to be alive. I want my friends to be healthy. I want them to be drinking a beer in the pub after the war,” Mr. Marchuk mentioned. “That’s why I’m doing my best.”
He mentioned it had been arduous to maintain the pub afloat: Business suffered throughout the top of the coronavirus pandemic. And then Ukraine’s skilled soccer season was suspended when Russia invaded and the stadium was compelled to shut. Teams went into exile, enjoying overseas and in exhibition matches. Club groups are actually enjoying once more in Ukraine, however in empty stadiums with out followers.
On Monday, patrons on the bar have been cheering on Ukraine’s nationwide group because it performed Malta in a 2024 European Championship qualifier match.
“People are not coming often for beers” because the invasion, he mentioned. “Today is a special day.”
Those on the bar sat quietly as gamers took the sector. Unmoved as Malta’s nationwide anthem sounded, they rose in unison for Ukraine’s, singing alongside. After the ultimate notes a chant broke out: “Glory to Ukraine. Glory to Heroes.”
Illia Kushnarov settled right into a wood seat to look at the sport with a good friend. He mentioned that he had attended his first match at 3 years previous and that his household at all times rooted for Dynamo Kyiv.
“It’s really in our blood,” he mentioned, sipping his drink. Now 25, he estimated he had attended greater than 200 matches.
Today, “of course we are missing the football, the stadium and this feeling,” Mr. Kushnarov mentioned, trailing off as a penalty kick ripped into the web.
He mentioned the ambiance within the stadium of 60,000 followers was so totally different — nevertheless it was extra essential to “help our guys right now on the front.”
That is why he and his good friend arrange their very own charity, first for “small stuff” like meals and now offering provides and even autos.
“Everything we have, we are trying to give,” he mentioned. “Everybody has a friend in the war.”
The Corner Pub, he mentioned, has given him neighborhood and goal — but additionally a refuge.
“Everybody needs a rest,” he added. “Just for a little bit — to have a drink, relax, because we cannot live every day, every minute, every second in war.”
Stanislav Kozliuk contributed reporting.
Source: www.nytimes.com