Former CSKA Moscow footballer Andrei Solomatin has spoken about adjusting to a new life and a different kind of duty after moving toward the conflict zone. His message centers on the capacity of people to adapt when facing abrupt shifts in circumstance, a theme he emphasizes through his actions and words via Match TV.
Asked how someone acclimates to a radically changed activity, Solomatin notes that personal differences matter. Some embrace new terms with ease. Others resist at first. Some choose to stay close to home, while others travel far, making difficult decisions in pursuit of broader goals. His reflections acknowledge that adaptation is highly individual and that resilience comes in many forms.
Regarding sleep, Solomatin assures that rest is possible even under trying conditions. He concedes that comfort is not always guaranteed and that fatigue can be overwhelming. In his view, simply resting the head to one side can bring relief when days are long and demanding.
Solomatin has made multiple humanitarian trips to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, delivering essential supplies such as food, clothing, and basic necessities to volunteers connected with Russian-supporting groups. On August 7, 2023, reports indicated that he signed with a close-knit football unit and joined the efforts around Artemovsk, known to many as Bakhmut, to support local defense initiatives.
During his playing career, Solomatin represented notable clubs including Moscow Torpedo, Lokomotiv, and CSKA. Between 1998 and 2003, he earned a place on the Russian national team, contributing to the country’s football legacy across various seasons and competitive fixtures.
In more recent years, Solomatin has spoken about watching Russian Premier League matches from the SVO region, reflecting on how the sport remains a constant for fans even when distance and danger separate players from their teams. His experiences illustrate how athletes can bridge distant places through commitment, storytelling, and the shared language of sport.