Jonas Maciulis: 'Russia should be isolated from the world just like North Korea' / News - Basketnews.com

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After the first quarter of yesterday's EuroLeague match between Zalgiris Kaunas and Real Madrid, a former player of both of the clubs, Jonas Maciulis, was presented with thank-you gifts from both the Lithuanian and the Spanish clubs.

Zalgiris Kaunas / Schedule

Zalgiris Kaunas Real Madrid68-47 Panathinaikos Athens Zalgiris KaunasTue19:00 ALBA Berlin Zalgiris Kaunas03-0319:00

In an interview with Rokas Pakenas of 15min.lt after the match, Maciulis was categorical regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"I support everything that Zalgiris Kaunas and the EuroLeague have done today," Maciulis told in the interview yesterday. "Russia should be isolated from the world just like North Korea - nobody comes in, nobody comes out. These things are not to happen in the world."

"It's always pleasant to be celebrated," the retired forward shared his thoughts regarding the ceremony after the first quarter. "I'm happy that the fans value and respect me, although I played here more than 12 years ago. A very pleasant accolade."

Zalgiris yesterday announced that they would not be travelling to Russia for their upcoming matches against CSKA Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg.

"Zalgiris will not go to Russia, where double matches of the season were supposed to be played," Zalgiris general manager Paulius Motiejunas said yesterday. "We will talk to the Western European clubs competing in the EuroLeague and offer to make a joint decision not only to not play the matches but also to boycott the games with all Russian teams."

The current political situation in Ukraine and its potential effect on the EuroLeague competitions will be analyzed at a videoconference that starts at 12:00 CET.

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