Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko speaks out amid rising tensions on Russian border

Zinchenko posted a message on his Instagram

Manchester City player and Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko has posted on his Instagram in relation to the ongoing tensions between his native country and Russia. On Tuesday, Russian president Vladimir Putin officially sent troops into Ukraine, just a day after he officially recognised two eastern Ukrainian regions – around Donetsk and Luhansk - as independent states. Russian legislators have also recently granted Putin permission to use armed forces outside of the country, increasing fears that a full-blown invasion of Ukraine is likely to happen. https://twitter.com/JOE_co_uk/status/1496040380046925826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1496040380046925826%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.joe.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fukrainian-premier-league-will-restart-despite-russian-invasion-318761 As of yet, it remains unclear as to what Putin and Russia's next steps will be, but with concerns growing for the safety of citizens living in Ukraine, Zinchenko has posted on his social media a message of support for his people and stated that they "will not give up." He posted: "The entire civilized world is concerned about the situation in my country. I cannot remain unconcerned and want to make my point. "In the photo: my country. The country in which I was born and grew up. The country whose colors I defend on the international sports scene. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaShFnMsWcS/ "The country that we are trying to glorify and develop. A country whose borders must remain intact. My country belongs to the Ukrainians and nobody can take it over. We will not give up ours! Glory to Ukraine!" In Ukraine itself, football governing body officials have confirmed that the domestic Ukrainian Premier League will return as planned on Friday as part of plans to allow 'life to go on' but are aware that should tensions escalate further, they will have to suspend all action. Related links:

• Ukraine crisis: Legislators approve Putin request to use armed force outside Russia
• Ukrainian Premier League will restart despite Russian invasion
• Has Russia invaded Ukraine and will it lead to World War Three?