After yesterday’s match against England, Ukrainian supporters launched paper airplanes bearing song lyrics ridiculing Russian military.
At the 24th minute of the Euro qualifier at London’s Wembley Stadium, supporters threw the planes onto the field.
The paper included a sarcastic song about Putin’s air force on one side and a Ukrainian flag on the other.
Supporters performed their own rendition of the England anthem “Ten German Bombers” during the game.
Some of the planes – as well as a number of flags held up by fans – reiterated Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s plea to the west for F-16 fighter jets to help battle Russia.
The song began: ‘There were ten Russian bombers in the air … and the air force from Ukraine shot one down’ and later mentions the need for F16 jets.
The two teams united in a display of solidarity at the start of the match, holding a Ukrainian flag with the word ‘peace’ written on it.
A sea of yellow and blue could be seen across the stadium as the crowd also held up flags.
Before kick off and after the game, which England won, Channel 4’s broadcast aired reminders of the conflict in Ukraine and its impact.
Andriy Shevchenko, a former manager of the Ukrainian team, was part of the punditry and spoke of the game’s importance.
‘I think today is not just football, it’s a lot more,’ he said before kick-off. ‘A lot more meaningful to my country.
‘For me to be here today and represent my country, and I want to say thank you to all of England for incredible support, you’ve been very close to us since the war started and this means a lot for me and my country.
‘Also I want to say thank you for the Ukrainian soldiers as well for staying on the front line and defending [our country].
‘We’re so lucky they sacrifice their lives for us and the Ukrainian team today, just because there’s so many people on the front lines losing their lives to defend, they stay strong to help freedom to Ukraine.
‘We’re mentally very strong and in difficult moments we’re united all together.’
Mr Shevchenko also spoke warmly of Ukraine captain Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Arsenal left-back, who plays in midfield for Ukraine, has spoken out against the war since it began last year.
He said: ‘I want to say a couple of words about Oleksandr because I am so proud of him. I am proud of what the man has done, he took the responsibility, always talks about Ukraine, and the way he’s playing this season is incredible.’
The final result was 2-0 to England, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scoring one goal each.