Ukrainian Esports Legend s1mple Calls For Peace: ‘I Can't Do This Anymore’
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s greatest player of all time, Ukrainian-born Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev, has expressed his fear after Russia invaded his homeland on February 24.
Currently housed in Poland as his Natus Vincere side competes at IEM Katowice 2022, s1pmle has pleaded for peace on social media, as the Russian military launched an attack designed to overthrow the democratically elected government of Ukraine.
S1mple pleads for peace amid Russian invasion into Ukraine
The CS:GO legend, often seen burnishing the flag of Ukraine at events, took to social media in the early hours of February 24 to inform people that "my city is shelled", as the Russian forces began their invasion of the country.
As world leaders continue to condemn the action of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the esports community has rallied behind the Ukrainian community, with a range of organisations extending an arm towards any players, casters, or fans who need help.
Despite being housed in Poland, the impact of the war has hit home for s1mple, who took to Twitter to plead for peace. "Please, please, stop, I can't do this anymore, we all need peace," the adored CS professional said.
"This is not Verdansk, this is real life. Don’t let others fool you," he continued.
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Ukrainian Esports Players Share Fear As Russian Forces Invade
Na'Vi, who are currently preparing for the semi-final fixture at IEM Katowice tomorrow, have also taken to social media to share a solidarity message. "It is impossible that during this war we pretend that everything is okay. It is not. We are devastated," said the Kyiv-based organisation.
Other world-renowned Ukrainian esports players have also taken to social media after they have been met with a wealth of support from the community. 100 Thieves' VALORANT wonderkid Peter "Asuna" Mazuryk tweeted his acknowledgement to supportive fans, as he assured the public that his Ukrainian family are safe.
However, reigning VALORANT world champion Nikita "d3ffo" Sudakov shared a video (not of his personal POV) of the conflict, expressing his shock.
Fortnite FNCS and Dreamhack champion Nikita "Stormyrite" Kulak also shared videos of air raid sirens being heard across the city, and another of him relocating to a garage with a range of other families. The 18-year-old also said: "I am so scared bro. I am literally afraid of every sound right now please stay safe guys. I’ll try to update u guys when I can."
As the conflict appears to be heightening, the world continues to pray for the safety of Ukrainian civilians.
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