Shakhtar Donetsk’s ongoing challenges amid the conflict in Ukraine have forced the club to maintain an unconventional and demanding schedule for its European matches this season. Unable to host games on home soil due to the ongoing security threats from Russian missile and drone attacks, the Ukrainian side will play its Champions League home fixtures at Stamford Bridge in London.

Since the club’s relocation from its original base in Donetsk nearly a decade ago, Shakhtar has operated primarily from various locations in western Ukraine, most recently near Lviv. There, the team continues to train and prepare despite frequent air raid sirens that disrupt daily life. Just hours before departing for London, players and staff were called to a shelter in Rivne due to a missile alert, underscoring the constant tension surrounding the club.

Head coach Arda Turan, who took charge in May 2025, has played an instrumental role in steering the team through these difficult times. Reflecting on their home stadium situation, Turan acknowledged the challenges of competing without a true home venue but expressed determination to persevere. “If you don’t have a home stadium at this level it’s very difficult, ask any other club. But we have a dream and inside we have great power,” he said ahead of Shakhtar’s trip to London to face AEK Athens.

The journey to London itself is arduous. After traversing Ukrainian territory, the squad crosses into Poland at the Krakowets border—a process that can take up to nearly 90 minutes—and then travels onward to Rzeszow airport for their flight. The entire trip to London from the team’s hotel base can reach 18 hours. Shakhtar’s travel arrangements include multiple vehicles for players and staff, a system introduced last year to increase comfort during long transfers.

The club’s director of sports management, Vitaliy Khlynyuk, described the evolving psychological toll on players and personnel. “In the first year playing games away we felt more enthusiastic,” he explained. “And we continue, but with each year it becomes harder and harder for everyone. Physically you can get over it but mentally it’s really tough.” Khlynyuk also painted a grim picture of the situation in Kyiv, where Shakhtar was based more regularly until three years ago. “Now it has the kind of atmosphere where the birds don’t sing,” he said, drawing parallels with the early days of conflict in Donetsk in 2014.

Despite these obstacles, the players are motivated to represent Ukraine on the European stage. Among them, Brazilian forward Kauã Elias described the opportunity to play at Stamford Bridge as a personal dream fulfilled. “Since I was a kid I dreamed of playing there for Chelsea,” he said. Compounding their motivation, the club will feature “Invest in Ukraine” branding on their jerseys during these matches, reflecting support from owner and sponsor SCM as well as their sister company, Metinvest, which has contributed steel to notable London landmarks such as the Shard.

Shakhtar expects a turnout of approximately 25,000 fans for their match against AEK Athens, recognizing the game as an important symbol of resilience amid ongoing conflict. Director of football Dario Srna emphasized the larger significance of the team’s presence on the European stage: “If you come along and support Shakhtar, you’re supporting Ukraine. This team need support and need emotion, because we are living under sirens and bombs. We’re here to show the world that we are alive, strong, united and will fight to the end.”

Following their match in London, the team faces a return journey before preparing for an upcoming domestic league fixture against Kolos Kovalivka. For Shakhtar, the commitment to compete amid adversity remains unwavering. Khlynyuk concluded, “Many of our citizens are struggling more than us. When you know that a win or draw can be a spot of light in this darkness, you will always do it.”