Russia captain Artem Dzyuba has responded to comments made by Vitaliy Mykolenko about the invasion of Ukraine.
Everton defender Mykolenko addressed Dzyuba and his national teammates in a strongly-worded Instagram post earlier this week over Russian footballers’ silence on the military action.
Mykolenko took aim at Russian players over the lack of response from them and suggested they would 'never be forgiven' for remaining silent over the war instigated by President Vladimir Putin.
But in a lengthy statement posted on social media on Wednesday, Dyzuba wrote 'war is scary' - but also made reference to players 'sitting in mansions in England'.
READ MORE: Everton take immediate Goodison Park action after suspending Alisher Usmanov ties
READ MORE: Lampard clarifies what happened with Usmanov and Moshiri before interview
EXPLAINED: What Everton USM decision means for new stadium and kit sponsorships
He wrote: "I didn't want to comment about the events in Ukraine until the very last moment.
“I didn't want to, not because I am afraid, but because I am not an expert in the politics, I was never involved in it and I was never going to be (contrary to many political scientists and virologists that have recently appeared on the Internet).
"But as any other person I have my own opinion. And I will voice it because I've been pushed to this topic from many sides.
"War is terrifying. I am shocked by human aggression and hate, which is moving to a larger scale every day.
"I am against discrimination based on your nationality. I am not ashamed to be Russian. I am proud to be Russian. I don't understand why athletes have to suffer now.
"I am against double standards. Why are some allowed everything, but we are blamed for everything? Why does everyone always say that sport is apolitical, but with the first opportunity, when it concerns Russia, this principle is absolutely forgotten?"
Before Dzyuba added: "And to some colleagues who sit on their a*** in mansions in England and say nasty things: It cannot offend us, we understand everything! Peace and goodness to everybody!"
But Manchester City's Oleksandr Zinchenko hit back at Dzyuba's claims, saying: "As for your main argument 'sport is apolitical', indeed, sport shouldn't be a part of an election campaign, party races, slogan promotion and a PR platform.
"However, sport, as any other part of life, cannot stand by and watch the matters of war, aggression and death. Everyone should be fighting against evil, regardless of their occupation.
"Evil should be punished on all platforms that are available to society. We will be knocking on your door with the sanctions with even more aggression than you do when you cross our borders with ammunition. Stopping the occupation is the single main aim of all our actions."
