NBA Players Alex Len, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk Issue Statement After Invasion of Ukraine

The Toronto Raptors forward Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and the Sacramento Kings center Alex Len issued a joint statement.

The attack was described as a "great tragedy" by Mykhailiuk.

They said thatUkraine is a peaceful state with people who want to decide their own fate.

After attending college in the United States, Mykhailiuk moved to the NBA and joined the team.

The players from both teams held a moment of silence before the game to show their support.

Franklin Cartoscelli @FCartoscelli3

The Kings and Nuggets have a moment of silence for the events that are transpiring in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/0ulAU2jt4Y

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation in Ukraine.

The invasion began hours before dawn with a series of missile attacks against locations near Kyiv, as well as the use of long-range artillery against the northeastern city of Kharkiv, near the Russian border.

The Ukrainian government said at least 57 people have died and 169 have been injured in the attacks.