The war between Russia and Ukraine has just reached its three-year mark, and the tension is still palpable – not just in the White House, but also in the world of sports. Recently, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski’s visit to the Oval Office to meet with Donald Trump was filled with tension, as the US President doesn’t consider Russia an invader and made several recriminations towards his Ukrainian counterpart.
This complex geopolitical situation is affecting the sports world, where tensions are running high. A recent match between Red Star and Zalgiris is a prime example. The fans of the Belgrade team created a tifo with the Russian flag and sang songs against Ukraine, Lithuania, and NATO. Serbia has long been a Russian ally and harbors a deep-seated hatred for NATO, stemming from the bombings of their capital in 1999 during the Balkan War.
As the situation continues to unfold, it’s worth noting that the Lithuanians, who were once under the yoke of the Soviet Union, empathize deeply with Ukraine. Since the conflict began, Lithuania has been one of the most supportive countries, and the Zalgiris team is no exception. In fact, the proceeds from their next league match will be donated to Ukraine.
The Zenit of St. Petersburg has expressed its gratitude to the Red Star and its fans through social media. The Russian team is considered a strong candidate to return to the Euroleague if the sanctions against them are lifted. Goran Sasic, the executive director of the Competition Coaches Council, who was born in Germany to Serbian parents, believes that Russian clubs could return to the Euroleague as early as next season.
Return of Russian Clubs Uncertain
However, not everyone shares this optimism. Paulius Motiejunas, the general director of the Euroleague, who is Lithuanian, has a different perspective: “If the situation doesn’t change completely, it makes no sense to even talk about a return. There are sanctions and war – what return can we be discussing?” His words highlight the uncertainty surrounding the potential return of Russian clubs to the Euroleague.
Despite the tense atmosphere, with 20,000 spectators cheering against them, the Zalgiris team managed to pull off a win against the Red Star, with a final score of 80-86. The team’s motivation was likely fueled by the hostile environment, and their victory is a testament to their skill and determination. Arnas Butkevicius, a player for the Zalgiris, was seen celebrating their triumph, and the team’s win has been seen as a significant upset in the face of adversity.
