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Mykolenko's 'Shock' Over Everton Support

Vitalii Mykolenko says he is “pleasantly shocked” by the depth of support from Everton following the outbreak of war in Ukraine – with colleagues offering to house people displaced by the conflict.

Defender Mykolenko, a January signing from Dynamo Kiev, captained Everton in this month’s FA Cup tie with Boreham Wood, one week after the Russian invasion of his homeland.

The Club staged moving shows of solidarity with Ukraine prior to fixtures in the wake of the initial Russian aggression, condemned by 141 United Nations member states.

Mykolenko, capped 21 times by Ukraine, opted to continue playing football following the outbreak of war – and amid public backing from manager Frank Lampard and multiple teammates.

Fellow January arrival Donny van de Beek informed Mykolenko of his wish to help those affected by the war, with others at Goodison Park similarly keen to actively assist.

“Yesterday, a physiotherapist came up and said, 'I have a room, a bed for two people, those who have nowhere to live, we are ready to shelter them’,” said Mykolenko.

Vitalii Mykolenko
Donny van de Beek, a world-class player, approached me and said, 'My father and I want to rent a house for people, whether in the Netherlands or in Poland. We will take them from the border, settle them, and pay for it'.


“I am shocked. Honestly, I am shocked.

“Donny van de Beek, a world-class player, approached me and said, 'My father and I want to rent a house for people, whether in the Netherlands or in Poland. We will take them from the border, settle them, and pay for it’.

“I’m pleasantly shocked. I don’t know how to thank these people.”

Mykolenko, a graduate of the Dynamo Kiev youth system, completed his transfer to Everton on New Year’s Day.

A league title and two-times domestic cup winner in his homeland, the 22-year-old has made six appearances for Everton following a debut in the FA Cup third-round victory over Hull City one week after signing.

The Club vowed to provide its unequivocal support for Mykolenko, as the situation in Ukraine escalated.


Everton, meanwhile, pledged £250,000 to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, a figure matched by Chairman Bill Kenwright and Majority Shareholder Farhad Moshiri for a total £500,000 donation from the Club.

“Everyone came up and asked how my family was, my friends,” added Mykolenko.

“On the second day, the head coach came up and said, ‘If you need a rest…if you need time, take your time.

“I am grateful to the Club for its support from all sides. The administrator in charge of the equipment said, 'I know what your situation is, I understand how difficult it is for you. Come to us for dinner, let’s talk’.”


A dedicated text donation hotline has been launched by the Club and DEC in the UK to allow supporters to donate £10 to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal by texting EVERTON to 70150*.

*Texts cost £10 and the whole £10 goes to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal plus your standard network charge. You must have bill payer’s permission. 

For full t&cs visit dec.org.uk 

You can also donate online by visiting the Disaster Emergency Committee’s fundraising page: donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal