In a bold invitation, unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has asked former US president Donald Trump to spend one week living in his home in Ukraine to gain a deeper understanding of the harsh realities faced by the Ukrainian people amidst the ongoing conflict. Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, Trump had promised to resolve the situation swiftly if elected for a second term, but has since blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for initiating the war.
Usyk, who dedicated his 2022 victory against Anthony Joshua to the Ukrainian people, feels that Trump's perspective could dramatically change if he witnesses the nightly bombings and air raids that plague the country. "I advise American President Donald Trump to come to Ukraine and live in my house for one week," Usyk expressed in an interview with BBC Sport. "Only one week. I will give him my house. Live please in Ukraine and watch what is going on every night."
Describing the harrowing reality, Usyk mentioned the constant threat of violence: "Every night there are bombs and flights above my house. Bombs, rocket. Every night. It's enough." The athlete further emphasized the humanitarian toll the war is taking, noting that innocent civilians—including children, women, and the elderly—are suffering.
When asked if he believes Trump would shift his views after his visit, Usyk replied uncertainly, stating, "I don't know. Maybe he'll understand, maybe he won't." He shared his deep concern for the plight of his country, stating, "Ukrainian people are dying. For me, it's hard. It's my country. I worry about what happens in my country."
Usyk has been an outspoken advocate for peace since the war's onset, using his platform to further public awareness and action, alongside fellow retired boxers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. The boxing champion is set to face Britain's Daniel Dubois in a rematch on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, where he aims to secure his title as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion or allow Dubois the chance to become the first Englishman to claim all four major world titles in heavyweight boxing.
Usyk, who dedicated his 2022 victory against Anthony Joshua to the Ukrainian people, feels that Trump's perspective could dramatically change if he witnesses the nightly bombings and air raids that plague the country. "I advise American President Donald Trump to come to Ukraine and live in my house for one week," Usyk expressed in an interview with BBC Sport. "Only one week. I will give him my house. Live please in Ukraine and watch what is going on every night."
Describing the harrowing reality, Usyk mentioned the constant threat of violence: "Every night there are bombs and flights above my house. Bombs, rocket. Every night. It's enough." The athlete further emphasized the humanitarian toll the war is taking, noting that innocent civilians—including children, women, and the elderly—are suffering.
When asked if he believes Trump would shift his views after his visit, Usyk replied uncertainly, stating, "I don't know. Maybe he'll understand, maybe he won't." He shared his deep concern for the plight of his country, stating, "Ukrainian people are dying. For me, it's hard. It's my country. I worry about what happens in my country."
Usyk has been an outspoken advocate for peace since the war's onset, using his platform to further public awareness and action, alongside fellow retired boxers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. The boxing champion is set to face Britain's Daniel Dubois in a rematch on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, where he aims to secure his title as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion or allow Dubois the chance to become the first Englishman to claim all four major world titles in heavyweight boxing.
