Russia captain Artem Dzyuba responds to Everton's Vitaliy Mykolenko with Ukraine message

Zenit Saint Petersburg striker Artem Dzyuba was branded a "b****" by Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko for failing to speak out on Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Russia captain Artem Dzyuba issued a terse response to Everton defender Viyaliy Mykolenko as he broke his silence on Vladimir Putin 's invasion of Ukraine

Mykolenko branded Zenit Saint Petersburg striker Dzyuba a "b****" in a social media post on Tuesday and took aim at the Russian's "s***head teammates" for failing to speak out about the war in Eastern Europe.

The Toffees left-back is one of many Ukrainian players in the Premier League deeply concerned about the situation in his homeland, where more than 2,000 civilians have been killed.

Mykoleknko shared a moving embrace with Manchester City 's Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of a fixture on Saturday and the latter has since released a joint video statement calling for opposition to the Russian invasion.

Is it fair that Russian footballers are paying the price for Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine? Have your say in the comments...

Mykolenko was clearly frustrated about a perceived lack of support from Russian players as he hit out Dzyuba with a withering social media message.

However, the latter has responded by explaining he has stayed quiet about the war because he is "not a political expert".

He also questioned why Russian football has been sanctioned after FIFA and UEFA banned the national team and clubs from participating in their competitions.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Dzyuba wrote: "Until recently, I did not want to talk about the events in Ukraine. Not because I'm scared, but because I'm not a political expert. But I have an idea, just like everybody else. I'm against all forms of war. War is scary.

"I am against war, but I am also against discrimination based on nationality. I'm not ashamed to be Russian. I'm proud to be Russian. Why does everyone want politics to be outside of football, but forget this when it comes to Russia?

"I repeat, war is scary. In stressful situations, people show their true essence, sometimes negative. How much anger, dirt and bile has now been poured on all Russian people, regardless of their position and profession?

"The war will end but human relations will remain. And it will be impossible to rewind back. Keep this in mind."

Dzyuba ended his Instagram post with what appeared to be a pointed message to Mykolenko, adding: "PS. To some colleagues who sit on their asses in mansions in England and say nasty things: we cannot be offended by this, we understand everything! Peace to everybody!"

Dzyuba's former club Spartak Moscow have fallen foul of UEFA's sanctions against Russia as they were removed from the Europa League.

Spartak subsequently issued a statement accepting the governing body's decision but labelling it "extremely upsetting".