The home of Ukrainian midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, recently signed by Benfica, was completely destroyed in a devastating Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, in the early hours of September 7, 2025. The 23-year-old player, currently with the Ukrainian national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, shared shocking images of the destruction on his social media. His wife, Liza, who is 39 weeks pregnant, their three-year-old daughter, and his mother were in the residence during the attack but escaped unharmed. The assault, considered the largest since the war began in 2022, killed at least two people, including a baby and its mother, and highlighted the severity of Russia’s offensive against civilian targets. Benfica expressed solidarity with the athlete, while the international community condemned the escalation of violence.
Sudakov, who has yet to debut for the Portuguese club after transferring from Shakhtar Donetsk, was in Wroclaw, Poland, with the Ukrainian team when he received the news. His wife, Liza Sudakova, posted videos showing the rubble of their apartment, describing the experience as “a horrific night.” The destruction of Sudakov’s home reflects the war’s impact on civilians, even those with international prominence, such as elite athletes.
- Immediate impact: The bombing directly hit the residential complex where Sudakov’s family lived.
- Survival: Despite the severity, no family members were injured.
- Attack context: The Russian offensive involved 805 drones and 13 missiles targeting Kyiv and other regions.
- Benfica’s response: The Portuguese club posted a message of support for the player on social media.
Sudakov’s personal tragedy adds to the devastation in Kyiv, where the war’s violence continues to affect the Ukrainian population, including public figures.
Destruction in Kyiv and impact on Sudakov’s family
The Russian offensive on September 7 was one of the deadliest since the conflict began, with 805 drones and 13 missiles launched against Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. At least 747 drones and four missiles were intercepted, but the attacks caused significant damage in 37 locations, including the capital. Sudakov’s home, located in a Kyiv residential complex, was directly hit, leaving the apartment in ruins. Images shared by the player show shattered windows, destroyed furniture, and collapsed walls, underscoring the attack’s intensity.
Liza Sudakova, in the final stages of her pregnancy, recounted the terror experienced during the attack. On social media, she described the helplessness of hearing explosions and seeing the surrounding destruction. The couple’s daughter, Milanka, aged three, and Sudakov’s mother were also in the apartment but managed to take shelter in time. The family described their survival as a “miracle,” though they now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives amid the war.
- Civilian targets: The attack struck residential areas, including the building where Sudakov’s family lived.
- Scale of the offensive: Of the 805 drones, 56 caused direct impacts in Kyiv and other cities.
- Emotional account: Liza highlighted the distress of protecting her young daughter during the bombing.
- Family’s situation: Despite the destruction, all are safe but without a home.
Sudakov’s case gained attention due to his connection to European football but reflects the reality faced by thousands of Ukrainians who have lost their homes since the war began.
Benfica and international community response
Sport Lisboa e Benfica, which signed Sudakov for 27 million euros, with clauses potentially reaching 32 million, reacted swiftly to the news. In a social media post, the club wrote: “The Benfica family is with you, Heorhii,” using the Ukrainian spelling of the player’s name. The message, posted hours after the attack, reinforces support for the midfielder, who has yet to play officially for the Portuguese team. The transfer, announced the previous week, marked the arrival of one of Ukraine’s top football talents to the European stage.
The international community also responded. European leaders, including Portuguese representatives, condemned the attack, calling for tougher sanctions against Russia. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko noted that the bombing damaged a government building in Kyiv’s historic Pechersky district for the first time, heightening concerns about the conflict’s escalation. The attack came days after 26 countries expressed support for ceasefire negotiations, amplifying criticism of Russia for undermining diplomatic efforts.
- Club support: Benfica used its platforms to express solidarity with the player.
- Global condemnation: European governments renewed calls for sanctions against Moscow.
- Government damage: The attack hit ministerial offices, a milestone in the war.
- Diplomatic context: The offensive jeopardized progress in peace talks.
The solidarity with Sudakov and Ukraine reflects the intersection of sports and the humanitarian impacts of the conflict, with the player emerging as a symbol of Ukrainian resilience.
Sudakov’s career and attack context
Georgiy Sudakov, 23, is one of Ukraine’s rising football stars. Developed at Shakhtar Donetsk, he stood out as a versatile midfielder with playmaking vision and technical skill, attracting interest from European clubs. His transfer to Benfica, under an initial loan with a mandatory purchase for 2026/27, was celebrated as a milestone for the player and his family. However, the war in Ukraine continues to impact his personal life, even as his career progresses.
The September 7 attack was described as the largest since Russia’s invasion began in 2022. Beyond Sudakov’s home, a residential building in Kyiv was destroyed, killing a mother and her three-month-old baby, according to Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration. Another 17 people were injured, and debris from drones and missiles caused damage in eight regions. Russia justified the offensive as targeting “arms factories and military infrastructure,” but civilian targets, like Sudakov’s building, were heavily hit.
- Sudakov’s career: The player is a starter for Ukraine and a promising Benfica signing.
- Attack scale: 805 drones and 13 missiles were launched, with 56 direct hits.
- Civilian casualties: Two deaths were confirmed, alongside 17 injuries.
- Russian justification: Moscow claimed to target military sites, but hit residential areas.
The destruction of Sudakov’s home underscores how the war affects even public figures building careers abroad while maintaining ties to Ukraine.
Consequences for the family and Ukrainian society
Sudakov’s family now faces the uncertainty of rebuilding their lives amid the conflict. Liza Sudakova, about to give birth, expressed relief at surviving but distress over losing their home. The couple’s daughter, Milanka, and Sudakov’s mother must also find a new place to live while the player remains in Poland with the national team. Their situation mirrors the plight of millions of Ukrainians who have lost their homes since the war began.
The bombing also intensified debates about protecting civilians in conflict zones. Ukraine has called for more international support, including economic sanctions against Russia and military aid to bolster its air defenses. President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated willingness for negotiations but criticized the attack as a barrier to dialogue. The destruction of a government building in Kyiv, a first in the war, raised tensions, with fears of Russia escalating attacks on strategic targets.
- Loss of home: Sudakov’s family must find a new residence in Kyiv.
- International support: Ukraine seeks more sanctions and military aid post-attack.
- Historic damage: The bombing hit Pechersky, a historic district in the capital.
- Psychological toll: Liza described the trauma of experiencing the attack with her daughter.
- Conflict escalation: The attack on a government building marks a new level of aggression.
Sudakov’s tragedy serves as a reminder of life’s fragility in wartime, even for those achieving international prominence.
Ukrainian resilience and the role of sports
Sudakov’s case also highlights sports as a platform to draw attention to the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian athletes, like boxer Oleksandr Usyk and tennis player Elina Svitolina, have used their careers to spotlight the conflict’s impacts. By sharing images of his destroyed home, Sudakov brought visibility to the situation of civilians in Kyiv, reinforcing the need for global support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the player remains focused on his career, representing Ukraine in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His participation in the 2-0 loss to France on Friday shows his dedication despite personal tragedy. Benfica plans to integrate Sudakov into the squad in the coming weeks, with expectations that the midfielder will bring his talent to the Portuguese league.
- Athletes as advocates: Figures like Sudakov amplify Ukraine’s crisis globally.
- National team commitment: The player continues performing despite personal tragedy.
- Benfica expectations: Sudakov is seen as a promising addition to the club.
- Global impact: Sports have been a platform to highlight the war in Ukraine.
Sudakov’s resilience, both on and off the field, reflects the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people facing daily adversities in the conflict.
