Shaktar Donetsk has carried the banner of eastern Ukraine in the country's soccer league with great distinction - it won the title for the fifth consecutive year last season - but that achievement has been reliant on outside help.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Al Jazeera America: Will soccer be a casualty of Ukraine’s ongoing turmoil?
Reigning champion Shaktar Donetsk is based at the heart of the rebellion, and its foreign star players are staying away.
