KYIV, Ukraine — Greater than 100 folks had been rooting for Ukraine’s nationwide soccer staff within the entrance of the Nook Pub, however a take a look at the again rooms of the bar made it clear that its prospects had been extra than simply sports activities followers.
There have been helmets, bandages, hand heaters and intravenous luggage in one of many bar’s retailer rooms on Monday evening, all destined for the entrance traces. “It’s a logistics hub,” the pub’s proprietor, Oleksii Marchuk, mentioned.
Named for its perch exterior the capital’s now-closed Olympic Stadium, the Nook Pub has lengthy been a gathering level for die-hard supporters of Dynamo Kyiv, one among Ukraine’s most well-known skilled groups. However since Russia’s full-scale invasion, it has additionally develop into an alternative choice to their shuttered stadium and a hub to assist the warfare effort.
Past simply cheering on their staff, the followers have develop into fund-raisers, navy boosters and logistics consultants — and in some instances troopers themselves.
“There is no such thing as a group that has no folks within the warfare,” Mr. Marchuk mentioned Monday evening. That features the close-knit Dynamo Kyiv neighborhood.
The staff’s distinctive patches, that are allowed to be worn on navy uniforms, are on show within the pub’s three sprawling rooms underground. So, too, are reminders of the warfare, from an indication exterior celebrating “each” lifeless Russian to munitions leaning in an alcove.
A few of Ukraine’s most hard-core soccer supporters, or “ultras,” have a historical past of violent hooliganism or have been linked to the acute proper and white supremacy, however they’re a minority of followers. The ultras have additionally defended pro-democracy protesters and develop into a robust organizing pressure throughout the political spectrum.
Within the early days of the warfare, with Kyiv beneath assault, the pub’s employees moved in beds and cooked for the navy from morning till evening. Now, they distribute gear to Dynamo Kyiv supporters on the entrance traces and host desk tennis tournaments to boost funds for the struggle.
The navy provides change from each day, Mr. Marchuk mentioned. On Monday, there have been intravenous luggage, whereas on different days there is perhaps bulletproof vests, tourniquets or energy banks. Some objects are donated, and others are sourced primarily based on requests from fellow followers on the battlefield.
“I would like my pals to be alive. I would like my pals to be wholesome. I would like them to be consuming a beer within the pub after the warfare,” Mr. Marchuk mentioned. “That’s why I’m doing my greatest.”
He mentioned it had been onerous to maintain the pub afloat: Enterprise suffered through the top of the coronavirus pandemic. After which Ukraine’s skilled soccer season was suspended when Russia invaded and the stadium was pressured to shut. Groups went into exile, enjoying overseas and in exhibition matches. Membership groups are actually enjoying once more in Ukraine, however in empty stadiums with out followers.
On Monday, patrons on the bar had been cheering on Ukraine’s nationwide staff because it performed Malta in a 2024 European Championship qualifier match.
“Persons are not coming usually for beers” for the reason that invasion, he mentioned. “At this time is a big day.”
These on the bar sat quietly as gamers took the sector. Unmoved as Malta’s nationwide anthem sounded, they rose in unison for Ukraine’s, singing alongside. After the ultimate notes a chant broke out: “Glory to Ukraine. Glory to Heroes.”
Illia Kushnarov settled right into a wood seat to observe the sport with a good friend. He mentioned that he had attended his first match at 3 years outdated and that his household at all times rooted for Dynamo Kyiv.
“It’s actually in our blood,” he mentioned, sipping his drink. Now 25, he estimated he had attended greater than 200 matches.
At this time, “after all we’re lacking the soccer, the stadium and this sense,” Mr. Kushnarov mentioned, trailing off as a penalty kick ripped into the online.
He mentioned the environment within the stadium of 60,000 followers was so completely different — nevertheless it was extra necessary to “assist our guys proper now on the entrance.”
That’s the reason he and his good friend arrange their very own charity, first for “small stuff” like meals and now offering provides and even autos.
“Every part we’ve, we try to present,” he mentioned. “All people has a good friend within the warfare.”
The Nook Pub, he mentioned, has given him neighborhood and function — but additionally a refuge.
“All people wants a relaxation,” he added. “Only for just a little bit — to have a drink, chill out, as a result of we can not stay on daily basis, each minute, each second in warfare.”
Stanislav Kozliuk contributed reporting.
