Ukrainian NBA players Alex Len, Svi Mykhailiuk 'hope for end' to crisis in homeland

Ukrainian NBA players Alex Len of the Sacramento Kings and Svi Mykhailiuk of the Toronto Raptors released a statement on Friday praying for an end to the conflict in their homeland.

"A great tragedy befell our dear homeland Ukraine. We categorically condemn the war. Ukraine is a peaceful, sovereign state inhabited by people who want to decide their own destiny," Len and Mykhailiuk said in the joint statement.

"We pray for our families, friends, relatives and all the people who are in the territory of Ukraine. We hope for an end to this terrible war as soon as possible."

?? ?????! pic.twitter.com/CkPZ3cDQdm

— Svi Mykhailiuk (@Sviat_10) February 24, 2022

"Dear fellow Ukrainians, hold on! Our strength is unity. We are with you."

Len's Kings, as well as the Denver Nuggets, gathered for a moment of silence during their game on Friday (Manila time).

Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets players gather for a moment of silence in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/Y3KAkVpXmc

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) February 25, 2022

The National Basketball Players Association also shared a message on social media in support of Len and Mykhailiuk and their families.

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by the recent events in Ukraine, and especially with our Ukrainian players Alex Len and Svi Mykhailiuk and their families during this difficult time.

— NBPA (@TheNBPA) February 25, 2022

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News