Why are Shakhtar playing at Stamford Bridge?

Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin says Chelsea's Stamford Bridge gives the club the best platform to show that Ukraine remains "alive" during a difficult period in the country's history.

The Ukrainian champions have not played at their Donbass Arena home in Donetsk since 2014 and have staged their home European fixtures in Poland, Germany and Slovenia since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Travelling for European matches remains a challenge for Shakhtar, but the club chose London, around 2,000km from its base in Kyiv, to host matches against AEK Athens, Sporting, Fenerbahce and Real Madrid.

After considering Brentford and Fulham as potential venues, Shakhtar selected Chelsea's Stamford Bridge, which is available because the club are not involved in European competition this season.

"We decided: let's move to England," Palkin explained. "There are a lot of Ukrainian refugees and a lot of Ukrainians living here.

"London is the football capital of the world. It's the biggest marketplace for players.

"For our young players to play at this level in a legendary stadium like Stamford Bridge provides extra motivation and can bring positive results.

"I first contacted [Chelsea co-owner] Behdad Eghbali and said: 'What do you think about this idea - playing Champions League matches in your stadium?'

"The reaction was positive. Step by step, it became a reality. Chelsea were very professional."

Sources at Chelsea say the agreement is non-commercial in nature, but Shakhtar hope to average 30,000 fans across the four matches.

Everything about Shakhtar's visit to London has been carefully planned. There will be trips to schools, invitations for people to watch their Uefa Youth League matches at Chelsea's academy stadium, Kingsmeadow, as well as access to open training sessions for Ukrainians living in exile.

In addition, Shakhtar's shirt will feature the slogan "Invest in Ukraine" alongside sponsor SCM (System Capital Management) during the Champions League campaign.

Palkin added that Shakhtar have a "very good connection" with their fans in England, adding the club is "stable" financially but suffering the human reality of operating under war conditions.

He speaks of a drone strike visible behind and close to the club's senior women's team during a televised match, which ultimately caused the broadcast to be suspended.

Meanwhile, the club's under-12 and under-13 teams were moved to western Ukraine amid escalating tensions in the war.

"We are representing our country and want to be visible for Ukraine," added Palkin.

"We need support from the democratic world.

"We cannot fight alone. Part of our role when we play in London and other cities in Europe is to send these messages and remind people what's going on."