Neftçi coach Vernydub opens up about war in Ukraine: daughter-in-law on the front lines for a second year.

How the war has touched Yuriy Vernydub's family

According to Novyny.live: Yuriy Vernydub, the head coach of Azerbaijani football club Neftçi, has spoken about how the war in Ukraine has affected his loved ones. He revealed that his children, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, brother, sister, and many other relatives remain in Ukraine. One of his daughters-in-law, despite being a mother of three, has been fighting on the Donetsk front for the past two years. His nephew is also in the combat zone and will soon join the front lines as part of an airborne unit.

Duty to country and to sport

After Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Vernydub left his post at Sheriff Tiraspol and enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He balanced his military service with his role at the club Kryvbas, showing a deep commitment both to his sporting career and to defending his homeland.

'My children, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, brother, sister, and many other relatives are still in Ukraine. One of my daughters-in-law is on the front lines. Despite having three children, she has been fighting on the Donetsk front for two years now. My nephew is also in the war and will soon be deployed to the front as part of the airborne forces.'

Yuriy Vernydub

Vernydub's account highlights not only the personal hardships his family endures but also the broader reality in Ukraine, where countless individuals have been forced to leave their homes or take up arms. The war affects every citizen, and stories like his underscore the need for support and empathy for those living through this difficult period.

At the same time, his dual experience in sports and military service illustrates how athletics and patriotism can come together during times of conflict.