'I don't support Russia!' - New Dynamo Kyiv signing responds to war 'propaganda' accusations as Ukrainian fans demand club terminate his contract after a week

Just one week after signing a long-term contract with Kyiv, Moldovan-Romanian forward Blenuce has found himself embroiled in a major scandal. Dynamo supporters discovered pro-Russian content on his social media accounts, including TikTok reposts of Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, as well as clips with soundtracks from a Russian TV series that has been banned in Ukraine. The discovery triggered immediate outrage among the club's fiercely patriotic fanbase, with many demanding that the club terminate the player's contract immediately.

The controversy surrounding Blenuce's social media content is particularly explosive due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The situation was further complicated by the discovery of similar pro-Russian content on the social media of the player's wife, including speeches by Vladimir Putin and nostalgic Soviet-era imagery.

Blenuce was brought in as a key part of the club's squad rebuild following the departure of star forward Vladyslav Vanat to Girona. The Ukrainian club's decision to offer a long-term deal until 2030 showed their trust in him, a trust that has been seriously tested by the backlash. The club was forced to issue an official statement to address the controversy, confirming that Blenuce had acknowledged his mistakes and reaffirmed a pro-Ukrainian stance.

Blenuce addressed the controversy directly via the club media, expressing regret for his actions and clarifying his position on the war. He insisted that the reposts were a mistake and that he was unaware of the individuals' roles in Russian propaganda.

"I want to prove to Dynamo fans that I support their opinion on the war," he said. "Russia is an aggressor and encroaches on someone else's property. This is very sad, because Ukraine, defending its land and its citizens, is losing many people in this unjust war. This is definitely a difficult situation for me, because it can be interpreted incorrectly."

He added: "I want to state that I do not support Russia. And I certainly never said anything bad about Ukraine. It was my mistake to repost these posts. I did not know these people and did not attach importance to their role in Russian propaganda. For me they were no-names. When they explained to me who they were, I realized my mistake and realized that I had gotten into a bad situation. I am an absolutely pro-European and pro-Ukrainian person, I am on this side.

"I will demonstrate my sincere support. If anyone has any questions for me, I am open to communication, ready to meet with every fan and explain everything. I will repeat that I do not support Russia. I am on the side of the Ukrainian people."

Despite his apologies and affirmations of support for Ukraine, Blenuce's future with the club remains uncertain. The anger among Dynamo's fanbase are deep-seated, and words alone may not be enough to win them over. The Romanian forward will need to prove his commitment to the club and the country both on the field with his performance and off it with his actions. He is expected to make his debut in the team's upcoming UPL match against Obolon.