Well-known Ukrainian biathlete Andriy Derizemlya commented on accusations that he went abroad after the start of a full-scale Russian invasion.

One of those who severely criticized Deryzemlya was the first Olympic medalist in the history of independent Ukraine, Valenita Tserbe-Nesina..

" She probably had some complaints about this, she is jealous of my awards and achievements in sports.

When the war started, my area in Chernihiv, where we live, was one of the first to be shelled.. It was terrible, because we were sitting in the basement, where my children and the children of my friends were.. They called me on the phone and told me to urgently go, because there was a possibility that our area would be razed to the ground.

When I got out of the car to load my things, my wife and children were nearby, and at that moment a shell exploded, about 10 meters from me. This was really scary. After that, there are still big health problems for my wife and daughter.. They are already recovering, but still.

After that, we moved to another area of \u200b\u200bthe city, because in our house there was no electricity, no water, no gas. We lived in the basement, where there were 43 people, including 17 children. Very difficult conditions, but from the first day of the war I helped, went to checkpoints, delivered food, helped with personal money. It was done by everyone who saw fit.

Then my wife had health problems, I had to take them away. As soon as I was able, I started to return to Kyiv, at the same time I bought medicines, but there was no road to Chernihiv, it was impossible to return. As soon as the road connection resumed, the next day I returned to Chernihiv together with the humanitarian cargo..

That's why I didn't run away. And now those who take responsibility, declaring cowards, deserters and traitors - no one knows the circumstances of another person. If 200 thousand people left Chernihiv, then they are all traitors?

To those people who accuse, I say: " Let everyone be responsible for their actions. I have nothing to fear and be ashamed of. Now I'm in Chernihiv, I'm not going anywhere. If I see what the city needs, what biathlon needs, I will work,"

Earlier it was reported that the fourth naturalized Russian woman was expelled from the Ukrainian biathlon team.