Ukrainian young basketball player stabbed to death in Germany

Two young Ukrainian basketball players were attacked on the street in Germany. Volodymyr Yermakov died from the stabbing, while Artem Kozachenko is in intensive care. This was reported in the Basketball Federation of Kyiv on 12 February.

17-year-old Vladimir Yermakov, who seemed to have his whole life ahead of him, was killed in Germany on Saturday night, - stated in the message.

Vladimir Yermakov and his friend Artem Kozachenko played for the ART Giants youth team (U-19) from Düsseldorf.

On the eve of the next game, the young basketball players were attacked with knives in the street simply because they were Ukrainians! The whole team spent the night in the hospital next to our guys. Unfortunately, doctors were unable to save Yermakov, and Kozachenko remains in intensive care," the Federation said.

The police are investigating the case, there were witnesses at the scene.

Vladimir Yermakov previously played in the children's teams "Teyvaz" and "5T.E.A.M.-DYUSSH-12" (born in 2006). As a member of the youth national team of Ukraine (U-16) he played at the European Championship 2022 in Bulgaria.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has taken special control over the investigation into the murder of a Ukrainian basketball player in Germany.

The consulate-general in Dusseldorf has already held talks with the head of the Essen police. The consuls noted the need for a speedy investigation and bringing the perpetrator to justice," he said.

Nikolenko also noted that the consular office monitors the treatment of Artem Kozachenko. He is receiving the necessary medical care at the hospital in Essen. The Ukrainian's condition is stable and there are no threats to his life.