Ukraine's top soccer league has resumed amid the ongoing Russian invasion, but players will have to go 'underground' if an alarm sounds

• Ukraine's top soccer league has resumed for the first time since the start of the Russian invasion.
• Matches are being played behind closed doors, and stadiums have bunkers in case of air raids.

Ukraine's top soccer league has resumed play for the first time since Russia invaded the country in February, but players will have to head "underground" if an alarm sounds.

The 2022/23 season of the Ukrainian Premier League (UPL) kicked off on Tuesday – coinciding with Ukraine's Independence Day – when Shakhtar Donetsk took on Metalist Kharkiv at Kyiv's Olympic Stadium.

All matches are being held behind closed doors besides a military presence for security, while stadiums have been fitted with shelters in case of air raids.

All fixtures are also being played in-and-around Kyiv.

"We have rules in case of an alarm, and we should go to be underground," Shakhtar captain Taras Stepanenko told The Associated Press ahead of his side's match against Metalist.

"But I think the teams, the players will be proud of this event. We are ready, we are strong and I think we will show to all the world Ukrainian life and will to win."

The match between Shakhtar and Metalist finished 0-0.

Afterwards, Shakhtar head coach Igor Jovicevic described the return of the UPL as "very important" but urged spectators not to forget that the invasion is still ongoing.

UPL fixtures are being streamed globally on YouTube after a deal was agreed with Sentanta last week.

"We're playing football and at the same time we're fighting to be free men," said Jovicevic. "But I want to say don't forget us, help us to stop the war and live normally.

"I want to play with thousands of people in this stadium and show the world we have a good championship. We must suffer in this period."