FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov addressed the fans on the club's birthday.

Dear fans,

Today FC Shakhtar turns 86. At a different time and under different circumstances, it would have been a great and spectacular celebration for all of us. But it is wartime now, people are suffering, and all our thoughts are just about helping Ukraine and Ukrainians.

Nevertheless, this is an important date for our club. On this day, I want to once again thank all the players, coaches, staff members who have been writing the history of Shakhtar for many decades and who continue to write it today. Different generations have brought the club 41 trophies, with each of them being important in a special way, and we are proud of each of them.

I want to say a huge thank you to our fans – those successes and victories would not have been possible without you. You are always with Shakhtar, supporting the club, helping to overcome all difficulties and move forward. And today, together with you, we dream of only one thing – returning to a peaceful and calm life, meeting at the stadium again, enjoying football and rejoicing at the victories of our favourite team. I am sure that this day will surely come.

These days, Shakhtar has been helping people. We opened a centre for IDPs at the Arena Lviv that has sheltered hundreds of people from different cities and towns of the country who suffered from hostilities. The team hold charity matches all over Europe, and by doing aso they not only raise funds to support Ukrainians, but also tell the whole world the truth about the terrible war in Ukraine. At this tough time, we are doing and will do everything possible to save lives, help those in need, and bring Ukraine's victory closer.

I wholeheartedly wish that Ukraine wins as soon as possible, that Shakhtar returns to the peaceful Ukrainian Donetsk, and that we all mark the club's next birthday together at our Donbass Arena!

I wish peace, wellbeing, joy and prosperity to you and your families!