Rinat Akhmetov says Infantino ‘must visit’ Ukraine, praises Zelensky and rules out territorial concessions | OneFootball

Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov has voiced fierce optimism about Ukraine’s prospects against Russia, lauded Volodymyr Zelensky after past hostilities, and taken aim at FIFA chief Gianni Infantino for not visiting the country. His rare comments come as he draws Riviera headlines after a 470 million euros Monaco purchase.

“The last time I saw him was 23 February 2022. We have not met since. He did not flee, he stayed in Ukraine and proved to be a brave man with a strong character,” he said. “He is doing everything he can to defend our sovereignty, independence and freedom,” he told The Guardian.

He called for “a just peace”, defined by a return to the 1991 borders and reparations, and described Moscow’s proposals as a “false peace”.

“Putin’s troops are bogged down. For me, it is like the glass is half full,” he said. “He has no reason to continue this war. Russia invests zero in technology.”

“Infantino must come here and feel for himself how much Ukraine and its people suffer. If he had come and spent the evening under drones and missiles, I think he would have become our greatest friend.”

His ultimate ambition is simple: “To see Shakhtar play with pride in our original stadium, in a Ukrainian Donetsk, where we will hear the Champions League anthem again.”

Source: Nice-Matin