We are now at the Sochi Olympic Winter Games, defending the honor of our native Ukraine in competition with the strongest athletes in the world.

We are shocked by the events that occurred yesterday in Kiev. We are thinking about our families and loved ones back home in Ukraine, and we are doing our best to honor them on the fields of play here in Sochi.

We also deeply mourn and express our sincere condolences on the death of our fellow Ukrainians.

For us, Ukraine Olympians, we strongly believe in and base our lives on the main Olympic ideals ​​of peace, unity, friendship and fair play that unite people regardless of age, gender, race, political or religious preferences.

We appeal for peace and mutual understanding, to find a positive way forward for Ukraine.

We believe in the wisdom and integrity of the Ukrainian people! We believe that together we can save our country and find a way forward!

As athletes we compete together with honor and friendship here in Sochi. We will do so peacefully to honor our home, our country, our Ukraine.