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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Joel Leaver

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

Rachel Riley has shown support towards her husband Pasha Kovalev 's sentiment over the invasion of Ukraine, after the Russian national urged against "making war."

The Countdown presenter, 36, and the former Strictly Come Dancing professional, 42, both shared a statement that had been issued by event group Rise Up with the Arts.

The project is run by Pasha and his dance partner Anya Garnis, 39, - set up to support performers amid the impact felt by the theatre industry during the Covid pandemic.

The pair - who are both said to hold Russian passports - issued a statement on the ongoing conflict in eastern Europe on Instagram this week through their joint account.

Rachel Riley (right) has been married to Pasha Kovalev (left) for almost three years (Rachel Riley/Instagram)

In their joint statement, which was shared just a few days ago, they commented: "The current situation in Ukraine hits too close to home for the both of us as Russian nationals."

The two dancers added: "Our passport may say one thing but out hearts are with our family, friends and everyone still in Ukraine that are fighting for their freedom and lives."

They said that their upcoming Rise Up With the Arts show - and the three charities it is supporting - "will now focus on donating funds raised" to the Save the Children charity.

Pasha opened up about the 'madness' ensuing in eastern Europe earlier this week (GC Images)
Rachel shared the statement issued by husband Pasha recently (@RachelRileyRR/Twitter)

They told fans that this charity "helps children and young people affected by this terrible conflict." They concluded by writing: "Let's make art, not war! Pasha and Anya."

Pasha reposted the statement on his own account, writing alongside it: "We will need your support now more than ever. Let's come together and make a different through art."

His post received thousands of likes and comes amid further conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with there said to be hundreds - if not thousands - of fatalities already.

Pasha is understood to have grown up in Russia (Getty Images)

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

Supporting his statement, she 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 that "this week has been so tough." She called on people to come together at this difficult period.

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