By Our Correspondent

Two Ukrainian footballers have died while defending their country following Russia’s invasion.

Russia on Thursday last week launched an attack on neighbors, Ukraine in an onslaught that have lead to the death on hundreds of individuals and buildings destroyed.

The International Federation of Professional Footballers FIFPRO confirmed Wednesday that Vitalii Sapylo and Dmytro Martynenko, aged 21 and 25 respectively have died in combat.

The duo becomes the first casualties of the ongoing war which has entered day eight this day.

“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and team-mates of young Ukrainian footballers Vitalii Sapylo and Dmytro Martynenko, football’s first reported losses in this war. May they both rest in peace,” a statement from FIFPRO read.

Sapylo, who features for Karpaty Lyiv’s youth side, a third-division club joined the Ukrainian army as a tank commander. He has been with the military since last Friday died defending the Kyiv capital.

“We cherish the eternal memory of this hero,” a statement from Karpaty read.

Meanwhile, Martynenko, who last played for second-division side FC Gostomel died alongside his mother after Russian bombs hit his home in an apartment block in the capital.