Rachel Riley and her Russian husband Pasha Kovalev respond to the crisis in Ukraine

Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev both released a statement co-authored by the latter that addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine that has ravaged the country

Video is loading

Video not available

The video will start playing automatically soon8thCancel

Play Now

Rachel Riley’s partner Pasha is adorably starring with daughter Maven in 2020

Rachel Riley has backed her husband Pasha Kovalev’s sentiment on the invasion of Ukraine after the Russian national urged against ‘going to war’.

The Countdown host, 36, and the former Strictly Come Dancing pro, 42, both shared a statement issued by events group Rise Up with the Arts.

The project is being led by Pasha and his dance partner Anya Garnis, 39, to support performers amid the impact of the Covid pandemic on the theater industry.

The couple, who both reportedly hold Russian passports, issued a statement on Instagram this week about the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe via their joint account.

In their joint statement, which was shared just a few days ago, they commented: “The current situation in Ukraine affects both of us as Russian nationals too much.”

The two dancers added, “Our passport may say one thing, but our hearts go out to our family, friends and everyone who is still in Ukraine fighting for their freedom and their lives.”

They said their upcoming Rise Up With the Arts show – and the three charities it supports – “will now focus on donating the funds raised to the charity Save the Children.”

They told fans that this charity is “helping children and young people affected by this terrible conflict”. They concluded by writing: “Let’s make art, not war! Pasha and Anya.”

Pasha re-released the statement on his own account and wrote alongside it: “We will need your support now more than ever. Let’s come together and make a difference through art.”

His post garnered thousands of likes and comes amid further conflicts between Russia and Ukraine that have reportedly already claimed hundreds, if not thousands, of their lives.

The post was later shared by his wife of almost three years, Rachel – with whom he shares his two children; Maven, two, and youngest child Noa, four months old.

She supported his statement and shared the post on her own Instagram and Twitter accounts. She accompanied her posts with love hearts on both social media platforms.

The statement was also shared by Pasha’s dance partner, Anya, who said “this week has been so tough”. She called on people to come together during this difficult time.

Do you have a story to sell? contact us underwebcelebs@mirror.co.ukor call us directly on 0207 29 33033.