On Tuesday morning, Borussia Dortmund will play a charity match against Dynamo Kyiv in the spirit of peace. "With the game, we are helping Ukraine. We are collecting donations that will help my fellow man," said BVB's Ukrainian guest player Alan Aussi.

For Marco Rose, there was no question – he and his team would play a match against Dynamo Kyiv. "We all feel involved and are severely shocked. We have little understanding of what war means and what is happening in Ukraine at the moment. It is a humanitarian disaster," said the BVB coach. "We want to come together with the people and set an example, and we are happy to do that." 

The game against BVB is one of a series of friendly matches currently being played by Dynamo Kyiv. So far, Ukraine's top club have played against Legia Warsaw, Galatasaray and CFR Cluj, and will follow their game with BVB with a match against Dinamo Zagreb.

Alan Aussi knows Dynamo Kyiv and its players well – the 20-year-old has played for their U19s and U21s. Before the start of this season, he was loaned out by the second team to Veres Rivne. And now he's playing football in Dortmund: After the outbreak of the war, he fled Ukraine and came to Dortmund two months ago. Here he trains with the BVB U23s and will take to the pitch in BVB black and yellow on Tuesday. "This is a very special moment. It's difficult for me to focus on football. But I'm a professional and I'll go out tomorrow and do my best," said the defender. "But I see another side, too. With the game, we are helping Ukraine. We are collecting donations to help my fellow man. I want to help my country in this way."

Even though he is currently safe and sound in Germany, Aussi is trying to stay in touch with friends and fellow players in Ukraine. "Two of my friends are on the front line. I get in touch with them daily to find out if they are still alive. It's difficult for me and their families because every day could be their last," Aussi said. For him, the important thing was to collect as many donations as possible: "A lot of people need the money – they don't have a home and have nothing to eat. I hope that we get as many donations as possible. I would like to thank the club and the city. I am proud that the club are helping with the charity match and other fund-raising campaigns."

Not only the players, but also the referees will be making a sign of peace: Ukrainian Denys Shurman will referee the first half of the game while Bundesliga ref Patrick Ittrich will be the fourth official. In the second half, the two will switch roles. 

Tickets for the game are available here. 

You can still make donations via the BVB Foundation "leuchte auf" here. The "#StandWithUkraine" solidarity wristband is also available in the Ukrainian national colours of yellow and blue for €10, €25 or €100 in the BVB online shop. 

The donations benefit aid organisations that are helping Ukrainians in need.
Christina Reinke