Robert Lewandowski reacts after Poland refuses to play World Cup qualifier vs Russia

(Source: Twitter)

Poland national football team has refused to play its World Cup qualifier against Russia next month in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

Cezary Kulesza, president of Polish Football Association, made the announcement on Twitter and indicated Poland was in talks with other federations to present a unified position to FIFA.
"No more words, time to act!",  Kulesza wrote, saying the move was prompted by the 'escalation of the aggression'.

The minute after the announcement, Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, the nation's all-time leading scorer, immediately responded to say it's the right decision.

He wrote on his Twitter: "I can't imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues."

"Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can't pretend that nothing is happening.?

It is the right decision! I can’t imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues. Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening. https://t.co/rfnfbXzdjF — Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) February 26, 2022

Previously, Poland had only said it didn't want to play the qualifying playoff semifinal in Moscow on March 24.

The winner plays Sweden or the Czech Republic for a place at the Qatar World Cup.

Russian troops pressed toward Ukraine's capital Saturday, after a night of explosions and street fighting that sent Kyiv residents seeking shelter underground.

It was not immediately clear how far Russian troops had advanced. Ukrainian officials reported some success in fending off assaults, but fighting persisted near the capital.