Ukrainian football legend Andriy Shevchenko called on the international community on Monday to continue supporting his country because "the war continues".
"It is important to remember that the war continues. Ukraine needs ongoing support," said the 46-year-old former player and former national team coach at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Shevchenko, who played for Dynamo Kyiv, Milan, and Chelsea, won the Ballon d'Or in 2004 and presented the award to the best female player of the past season, Spain's Alexia Putellas.
When asked by his Chelsea teammate and co-host of the gala, Didier Drogba, about the situation in his country after the Russian invasion last February, he stressed that "it is a very difficult moment".
"I am very proud of the Ukrainian people, who have risen up and defend their freedom," he said.
He also explained that he has been involved in "many humanitarian actions, seeking funds alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky," while receiving applause from the audience attending the gala at the Chatelet Theater in Paris.